The Seattle Mariners clinched a spot in the American League Championship Series by defeating the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in 15 innings, marking the longest winner-take-all game in MLB post-season history. Jorge Polanco’s single off Tommy Kahnle, with a full count, scored J.P. Crawford, breaking the 2-2 tie that had lasted since the seventh inning.
The ALCS between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Mariners will commence with Game 1 on Sunday at 8:03 p.m. ET in Toronto. Following Game 2 in Toronto on Monday, the series will shift to Seattle on Wednesday. This matchup features the top two seeds in the American League, with Toronto finishing atop the AL East with a 94-68 record and Seattle claiming the AL West lead at 90-72 after a late-season surge.
Toronto dominated the regular-season series against Seattle with a 4-2 record, including a notable sweep in Seattle not seen since 1991. The Mariners retaliated by taking two of three games at Rogers Centre in April.
Both teams joined the league in 1977, but the Blue Jays quickly rose to prominence, reaching their first ALCS in 1985 and winning consecutive World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. In contrast, the Mariners made their post-season debut in 1995, the first year of the expanded playoff format.
Although the Mariners have never played in a World Series, they swept the Blue Jays in a Wild Card Series in 2022. The Blue Jays are coming off a victorious ALDS against New York, highlighted by standout pitching performances and offensive contributions, notably from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Blue Jays aim to secure their third AL pennant, with key players like Bo Bichette, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt potentially returning for the ALCS. The Mariners feature a strong lineup, including power-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh, who led the league with 60 home runs and 125 RBIs in the regular season.
The Mariners’ all-stars for 2025 include Randy Arozarena and Bryan Woo in addition to Raleigh. Arozarena showcased his prowess with 27 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and 76 RBIs, while Woo, with a 15-7 record and 2.94 ERA, is anticipated to return for the ALCS after missing the ALDS due to injury.
Historically, Seattle has been a welcoming venue for the Blue Jays, with fans from British Columbia flocking to T-Mobile Park for Toronto’s games. However, the ALCS may see a shift as playoff ticket prices rise, potentially limiting online sales to non-local fans and creating a more favorable environment for the Mariners’ home advantage.