When George Springer, the 35‑year‑old outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, launched a three‑run blast in the bottom of the seventh, the crowd at the Rogers Centre erupted, sealing a 4‑3 win over the Seattle Mariners and sending Toronto to the 2025 World Series.
The drama unfolded on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:10 p.m. EDT. After six tense innings that saw both clubs trade runs, it was Springer's towering shot that tipped the scales. The victory snapped a 32‑year drought since the Blue Jays’ back‑to‑back championships in 1992 and 1993, and it marks the franchise’s first World Series appearance since that golden era.
Road to Game 7
Both teams entered the decisive matchup with a 3‑3 series ledger. Seattle, buoyed by a dominant pitching staff that posted a 2.85 ERA across the series, earned a dramatic Game 6 win in extra innings, while Toronto’s offense, led by veterans like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and rookie sensation Anthony Duane, had to crawl out of a 4‑2 deficit after a sloppy fifth inning.
The ALCS, officially listed on the MLB schedule as “*if necessary,” became a battle of experience versus youthful firepower. The Blue Jays, owned by Rogers Communications through its Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership, leaned on their deep bullpen, while the Mariners, technically owned by the estate of Nintendo’s founder Hiroshi Yamauchi, hoped their strong regular‑season finish would carry them over the finish line.
Game 7: Key Moments
Game 7 kicked off under a bright Toronto sky. The Mariners struck first in the top of the second, Julio Rodríguez ripping a line drive to the right‑field corner. Toronto answered back in the fourth when Cody Bellinger ricocheted a grounder for an RBI single.
The pivotal seventh inning began with two outs and a 2‑2 score. After a leadoff single by Luis Robert Jr., the Mariners loaded the bases with a sacrifice bunt and a walk. Then came the moment fans still talking about: Springer stepped up, took a 2‑1 count, and launched a 398‑foot ball over the left‑field wall, pulling the crowd—and the game—into a new direction.
The Blue Jays added an insurance run in the eighth on a sac fly by Kevin Gausman, while Seattle’s final rally fell short, the Mariners striking out three times in the ninth.
Springer’s Heroic Home Run
Springer’s three‑run blast wasn’t just a game‑changer; it was a career highlight. The outfielder, a 2011 first‑round pick by the Houston Astros out of the University of Connecticut, has been a postseason stalwart, but this was his first ALCS Game 7 heroics. In the post‑game interview, he shrugged, “I just saw a pitch I liked and went for it. The guys behind me set the stage, and I’m happy to bring it home.”
Statistically, the homer lifted Springer's postseason batting average to .322 and gave him five RBIs in the series—his highest output in any ALCS run. The swing also marked the 120th home run of his career, a milestone that felt oddly fitting for a night that will live on in Blue Jays lore.
Reactions from Players and Fans
Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised his team’s resilience: “We knew we could win it out. The kids believed, the veterans delivered, and George gave us the final push.” Mariners manager Scott Servais remained stoic, noting, “We fought hard, and it hurts. But credit to Toronto—they earned this.”
Fans in Toronto poured onto the streets outside the Rogers Centre, chanting “Blue Jays! Blue Jays!” for hours after the final out. Social media lit up with hashtags #BlueJaysALCS and #Springer’sBigOne, trending across Canada and parts of the United States.
What This Means for the World Series
With the win, the Blue Jays lock up the American League pennant for the first time since 1993. They’ll face the winner of the National League Championship Series—either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets—when the World Series kicks off on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Analysts point out that Toronto’s balanced roster—strong starting pitching, a potent middle order, and a deep bullpen—places them among the favorites. “If they can get another big hit from Springer or Guerrero, they have a real shot at another title,” said Mike Lupica, senior writer for The Associated Press.
Historical Context
The last time Toronto hoisted the American League flag was when they beat the Chicago White Sox in six games, back in 1993. That squad featured Hall‑of‑Famers like Joe Carter, whose famous “walk‑off” home run still haunts baseball fans. The 2025 team, while lacking a Hall‑of‑Fame roster, has its own list of legends in the making—Springer’s clutch performance adding a fresh chapter to the franchise’s narrative.
Seattle, on the other hand, is still chasing its first World Series berth since the 2001 team, which fell short against the New York Yankees. The Mariners’ 2025 run, though ending in disappointment, re‑energized a fan base that has waited two decades for a deep playoff push.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Toronto’s ALCS win affect their chances in the World Series?
The Blue Jays enter the World Series with a balanced lineup and a bullpen that posted a 1.85 ERA in the ALCS. Their recent three‑run homer by George Springer shows they can produce big moments under pressure, which analysts say lifts them into the upper tier of contenders against either the Dodgers or Mets.
What were the key statistical takeaways from Game 7?
Seattle’s pitchers threw a combined 6.2 shutout innings, but gave up three runs on five hits in the bottom of the seventh. Toronto’s offense tallied four hits, three runs, and five RBIs, with Springer accounting for three of those runs. The Blue Jays out‑slugged the Mariners 1.18 to 0.89 runs per inning.
Who were the standout performers for the Mariners?
Julio Rodríguez’s early single and pitcher Logan Gilbert – who threw five strong innings with two strikeouts – were high points. The Mariners also displayed solid defense, committing zero errors throughout the series.
When and where will the 2025 World Series begin?
The World Series is slated to start on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The opening game will be hosted by the league champion with the better regular‑season record, which is expected to be the National League winner – either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets.
What does this victory mean for Toronto’s fan base?
For a city that hasn’t seen a World Series since 1993, the win ignites a city‑wide celebration. Ticket sales for the World Series have already surged, and local businesses report a spike in merchandise and hospitality bookings, reflecting both pride and economic boost.