UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners’ World Series aspirations came to a crushing halt last night, as they fell 4-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. With just eight outs remaining, the Mariners faced a heart-wrenching defeat that has left players and fans reeling.
In a game marked by high stakes and intense pressure, Mariners pitcher Eduard Bazardo surrendered a pivotal three-run homer to George Springer in the seventh inning. This critical moment sealed Seattle’s fate, ending their season in a fashion that left star catcher Cal Raleigh declaring, “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure.” He added, “What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series.”
The Mariners entered the postseason with dreams of their first World Series title ever, having captured their first AL West title since 2001. However, those dreams were dashed as Seattle could not secure the single victory needed to advance to the World Series.
Seattle took an early lead in Game 7, with Julio Rodríguez doubling to start the game and scoring on a single from Josh Naylor. Rodríguez later hit his fourth postseason homer, giving the Mariners a 3-1 lead in the third inning. Despite the strong start, the Mariners failed to record a hit in the final four innings, as the team’s offensive momentum fizzled.
After a strong season, manager Dan Wilson expressed disappointment but also hope for the future. “I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting,” he said. “It’s a special team in there. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”
Wilson, a former catcher who played for the Mariners from 1994-2005, noted that this season marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as they advanced past the ALCS for the first time in history. “All of us now have had a taste of how close we can get and how good this team can be,” Wilson added. “That’s what you’re shooting for again next year, and I know that will continue to be the goal.”
As the Mariners head into the offseason, questions loom about their next steps. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team rebuilds and prepares for another run at the elusive World Series title in 2024.
This defeat marks another chapter in the Mariners’ storied history, as they remain the only MLB team yet to compete in a World Series. The emotional fallout from this loss will surely resonate throughout the Pacific Northwest as the team reflects on a season filled with promise.
For now, the Blue Jays celebrate their victory as they head to the World Series for the first time since 1993, while the Mariners are left to ponder what could have been.