On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays edged out the Seattle Mariners 6‑2 at the Rogers Centre, forcing a winner‑take‑all showdown in Game 7 of the 2025 American League Championship SeriesToronto. The contest started at 8:07 p.m. ET and saw a complete performance from Toronto across pitching, hitting and fielding.
Series Overview and Game 6 Stakes
The ALCS had been a seesaw battle, with Seattle taking a 3‑2 series lead after a dramatic Game 5. A win in Game 6 would have clinched the pennant for the Mariners, ending a 48‑year World Series drought. Instead, the Blue Jays rallied, tying the series 3‑3 and setting up a decisive Game 7 on Monday, October 20, at the same venue.
Historically, the Blue Jays last captured an American League pennant in 1993, while the Mariners have never reached a World Series. That context added extra weight to every at‑bat.
Key Performances: Savage, Guerrero Jr., and Gausman
Trey Savage, rookie outfielder stole the spotlight. The 22‑year‑old went 3‑for‑4, recorded two RBIs and logged a spectacular diving catch in right‑center that many fans called “the spark that ignited the comeback.” After the game, Savage said, “We just kept grinding; I knew we could turn it around if we stayed aggressive.”
Veteran slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added his sixth postseason home run, a towering shot to left‑field that pushed the lead to 5‑1 in the fourth inning. The Mariners had intentionally walked him several times earlier in the series, but the Blue Jays’ pitching staff couldn’t ignore his power.
On the mound, Kevin Gausman delivered a calm, strike‑heavy effort, surrendering just one run over 5 innings. He closed the game by fanning the side in the ninth, sealing the victory.
Mariners' Response and Critical Moments
Seattle’s sole bright spot came in the sixth inning. Eugenio Suárez ripped a line drive down the right‑field wall, allowing Julio Rodríguez to dash home from first on a daring “running start.” The play narrowed the margin to 5‑2, but a subsequent strike‑three swing by J.P. Crawford ended the Mariners’ momentum.
Mariners manager Scott Servais tried to spark a rally by inserting reliever Andres Muñoz, yet the Blue Jays’ bats stayed patient, adding insurance runs in the seventh.
Implications of a Game 7
A winner‑take‑all game in a neutral‑home environment—Rogers Centre—means both clubs will lean heavily on their bullpen depth. For Toronto, an AL pennant would mark their first since the early ’90s, potentially energizing a rebuilding core that includes catcher Danny Jansen and shortstop Isiah Kiner‑Flott. For Seattle, a World Series berth would rewrite franchise history; the city’s last major sports championship came in 2012 when the Seattle Seahawks captured the NFL title.
Analysts note that pitching match‑ups will decide the series. The likely Game 7 starter for the Blue Jays is right‑hander Chris Sale, who posted a 2.75 ERA in the postseason. The Mariners are expected to go with left‑hander Logan Gilbert, who has a 3.10 ERA and two postseason wins.
What Lies Ahead for Both Franchises
If the Blue Jays clinch the series, they will advance to the 2025 World Series to face the National League champion—likely the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have already secured the NL pennant. A World Series berth would boost Toronto’s marketability north of the border and could spur new sponsorship deals.
Conversely, a Mariners victory would send Seattle to its inaugural World Series, a storyline that could drive ticket sales and merchandise revenue sky‑high. It would also solidify the tenure of manager Scott Servais, whose contract is up for renewal after the season.
- Game 6 final score: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2.
- Key contributors: Trey Savage (3‑hits, 2 RBI), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (HR), Kevin Gausman (5 IP, 1 R).
- Series tied 3‑3; Game 7 set for Oct 20 at Rogers Centre.
- Blue Jays aim for first AL pennant since 1993; Mariners chase first World Series appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this Game 6 win affect the Blue Jays' chances in the World Series?
By forcing a Game 7, Toronto keeps its postseason alive and gains momentum heading into a winner‑take‑all scenario. The victory also showcases a balanced roster—strong pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense—qualities that bode well against any National League champion they might meet.
What does a Game 7 mean for the Seattle Mariners historically?
A Game 7 would be the closest the franchise has ever come to a World Series. Winning it would end a 48‑year drought and mark the first major‑league championship for Seattle since the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win in 2014, reshaping the city’s sports narrative.
Who are the likely starters for Game 7 for each team?
The Blue Jays are expected to start right‑hander Chris Sale, who has been dominant in the postseason. Seattle will likely turn to left‑hander Logan Gilbert, who carried the Mariners through the earlier games with a sub‑3.20 ERA.
When and where will Game 7 be played?
Game 7 is slated for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. ET, back at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
What are experts saying about the series turning point?
Baseball analysts point to Trey Savage’s breakout performance and the Blue Jays’ ability to limit Seattle’s rally in the sixth as the decisive shift. "Toronto showed depth beyond its star hitters," says former MLB pitcher and ESPN analyst Ryan Theriot. "If they can reproduce that balance, the World Series is within reach."
