UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series, decisively defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 10-3 earlier today at Rogers Centre. This victory positions Seattle just two wins away from their first-ever World Series appearance.
In a game marked by explosive offense, Julio Rodriguez and Jorge Polanco each launched three-run homers, while Josh Naylor added a two-run shot, propelling the Mariners to victory on Canadian Thanksgiving.
The Mariners dominated the game, showcasing their strength early by scoring three runs in the first inning against rookie Trey Yesavage, who struggled in his fifth major league start. Rodriguez’s homer set the tone, giving Seattle an early 3-0 lead.
Despite a brief fightback from the Blue Jays, who managed to tie the game at 3-3 in the second inning with RBI singles from Nathan Lukes and Alejandro Kirk, the Mariners quickly regained control. Polanco’s three-run homer in the fifth inning solidified Seattle’s lead at 6-3.
Seattle’s bullpen has been stellar throughout the series, now holding a remarkable nine scoreless innings with just one hit allowed. Pitchers Eduard Bazardo, Carlos Vargas, and Emerson Hancock contributed significantly, each throwing two innings.
Toronto’s performance was lackluster, managing only six hits in the game, with superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. going 0 for 3 and remaining hitless in the series. The absence of Anthony Santander, who was scratched from the lineup due to a sore back, further hindered the Blue Jays’ chances.
The Mariners are set to return home for Game 3 on Wednesday, where they will aim to extend their series lead. A win would place them just one victory away from the World Series, a milestone that has eluded the franchise since its inception.
With tensions high and the stakes even higher, fans are eager to see if the Mariners can capitalize on this momentum and break their World Series drought. The next game promises to be a thrilling continuation of this high-stakes playoff series.