Seattle Mariners Storm Back To Take 3-2 Lead Over Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays were in a 2-0 deficit heading on the road to Seattle against the Mariners. They fought back hard, winning two straight games, putting all of the pressure back on the Mariners. They controlled the lead for most of the game tonight, but Seattle stormed back late and are now just one win away from making the World Series.
Mariners Bats Came Up Clutch
Eugenio Suarez started the night off with a solo home run in the second inning and put the Mariners on his back tonight. George Springer put Toronto on the board in the fifth inning with a double to left center. Springer exited the game in the 7th after being hit in the kneecap. Toronto would take the lead on Ernie Clement’s single in the 6th inning.
The Mariners came alive in the 8th inning, with Cal Raleigh hitting a solo shot to left to tie the game at two. Back-to-back walks by Jorge Polanco and Josh Naylor put runners on first and second with nobody out, and the bases were quickly loaded with Randy Arozarena being hit by a pitch. Suarez blew the game with an electrifying grand slam to right field, awakening the loud Seattle crowd.
Suarez jumped on a fastball that was thrown right down the middle, giving the Mariners a four-run lead. Seattle was getting bullied in the previous two games, being outscored 21-6 by Toronto. They showed a tremendous amount of fight, and will head back to Canada needing just one win to send them to their first-ever World Series.
Blue Jays Bullpen Choked Again!
The Blue Jays looked to be coming back in the last two games, but their bullpen hurt them once again. Kevin Gausman got the job done tonight, going 5.2 innings, allowing just one earned run, and striking out four batters. The three walks were ultimately what knocked him out of the game early, forcing Manager John Schneider to go to his bullpen. Louis Varland recorded four outs and shut down Seattle’s lineup.
When Brendon Little came in, all of the momentum shifted in Seattle’s favor. Little failed to record an out and gave up three earned runs, which cost Toronto the game. Seranthony Dominguez entered the game and hit the first hitter he faced, allowing Suarez to hit what will be one of the most memorable home runs in Mariners’ franchise history.
Andrés Muñoz came in the 9th inning to close the game out and recorded an easy 1-2-3 inning. For a team that looked completely lifeless in Games 3 and Game 4, Seattle has caught fire at the right time. The Mariners will travel back to Toronto on Sunday and will look to send the Blue Jays packing. The Blue Jays’ backs are against the wall, and they will need to win the next two games at home to keep their World Series aspirations alive.
