TORONTO — The Seattle Mariners opened their American League Championship Series campaign with a statement win on Sunday, taking Game 1 of the ALCS with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. It was Seattle’s first ALCS appearance in 24 years, and the Mariners made it count, showing poise and resilience in front of a partisan Toronto crowd.
Trailing for much of the game, the Mariners turned things around in the sixth inning. Cal Raleigh, continuing his impressive postseason performance, launched a solo home run—his second of the playoffs—to tie the score at 1-1. The homer was a timely reminder of Raleigh’s power and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Later in the same inning, Jorge Polanco stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single, driving in Julio Rodríguez to give the Mariners a lead they would not relinquish. Polanco added another RBI in the eighth inning to seal the 3-1 victory, giving Seattle a crucial road win in a best-of-seven series.
Momentum on the Mariners’ Side
The victory gives Seattle a 1-0 lead in the ALCS and momentum heading into Game 2, also at Rogers Centre. Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised his team’s resilience after the game.
“We’ve talked about how resilient those guys are, and tonight was one of those instances again,” Wilson said. “It was a great job all around, and coming back tonight and getting Game 1 is obviously a big momentum shift for us.”
Seattle’s path to the ALCS was anything but ordinary. The team advanced after an epic wild-card showdown with the Detroit Tigers, winning a marathon 3-2, four-hour-and-58-minute contest—the longest winner-take-all playoff game in MLB history. That dramatic victory has seemed to imbue the Mariners with confidence and composure, which carried over into their matchup against the Blue Jays.
Early Setback, Strong Recovery
The Mariners faced a rough start in Game 1. Toronto’s George Springer homered on Bryce Miller’s very first pitch, marking the first leadoff home run in Blue Jays postseason history, according to MLB.com. It was a jolt for Seattle, but Miller, starting on short rest, quickly regained control.
Miller pitched six strong innings, allowing only two hits and no additional runs after Springer’s leadoff blast. His ability to reset and command the strike zone was critical in keeping the Mariners in the game and setting the stage for the comeback.
“The job that Bryce Miller did tonight was phenomenal,” Wilson said. “Coming back on short rest and getting behind early there with the first pitch of the game … after that first inning, he went into a different gear. You saw him getting ahead, using all his stuff.”
Miller’s performance was a testament to the Mariners’ depth and resilience. His ability to bounce back after an immediate deficit mirrored the team’s broader postseason mentality.
Key Performers Step Up
Cal Raleigh’s homer was a highlight, but the Mariners’ win was truly a team effort. Julio Rodríguez’s speed and presence on the basepaths were instrumental in putting pressure on Toronto’s defense, while Polanco’s clutch hitting delivered the runs that ultimately decided the game.
Seattle’s pitching, beyond Miller, also contributed significantly. The bullpen kept Toronto off the board for the final three innings, demonstrating a blend of poise and efficiency that will be critical as the series progresses.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Mariners’ victory carries historical significance. A series win over the Blue Jays would send Seattle to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Meanwhile, Toronto is seeking its first trip to the Fall Classic since 1993, meaning the stakes are enormous for both clubs.
The ALCS matchup presents a contrast in styles and team identities. Toronto has relied on its power hitters and high-profile stars, while Seattle’s postseason success has been defined by resilience, timely hitting, and pitching depth. This combination of momentum and balanced roster play may give the Mariners an edge as the series moves forward.
Seattle’s success in Game 1 also sets a psychological tone. Winning on the road in a hostile environment sends a message to the Blue Jays that the Mariners are prepared to compete at the highest level, and that they are not intimidated by the challenges of the postseason or by playing in front of an opposing home crowd.
Looking Ahead
Game 2 of the ALCS is set for Monday, again at Rogers Centre, and both teams will be looking to assert themselves early in the series. Seattle will aim to build on the momentum from Game 1, while Toronto will try to respond and even the series.
For the Mariners, the path to a first-ever World Series appearance remains challenging but promising. Their combination of clutch hitting, resilient pitching, and postseason experience from the Detroit series gives them confidence that they can continue to succeed under pressure.
“Getting Game 1 is huge,” Wilson said. “We’ll take the win, but we know there’s still a long road ahead. This is just the beginning, and we’ve got to stay focused and keep executing our game plan.”
The Mariners have demonstrated that they can thrive under pressure, and with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Seattle has positioned itself as a legitimate threat to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
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