When Trey Savage, rookie pitcher of the Blue Jays, tossed six solid innings on October 19, 2025, the Seattle Mariners knew they were staring at a winner‑take‑all scenario. The game, officially Game 6 of the American League Championship SeriesRogers Centre, ended 6‑2 in favor of Toronto, setting up a decisive Game 7 the very next night.
Background: How the Two Teams Got Here
The Toronto Blue Jays entered the postseason as the American League East champions with a 94‑68 record—their best finish since 2022. Managed by John Schneider, field manager Blue Jays, they dispatched the Tampa Bay Rays in five games during the Division Series.
Out west, the Seattle Mariners claimed the AL West title at 90‑72, knocking out the Cleveland Guardians in four games under manager Scott Servais, manager Mariners. Both clubs were hungry for a World Series berth—Seattle hasn’t been there since 2001, and Toronto’s last ALCS appearance was back in 2016.
Game 6 Recap: Key Plays and Turning Points
The early innings were a pitching duel. Savage’s fastball‑slider combo kept Seattle’s lineup guessing, while starter Jake Rios, Blue Jays starter limited the Mariners to a single run in the first two frames. The breakthrough came in the third when Luis Arraez, Mariners outfielder slipped on a foul ball, allowing a run to score on a sac fly.
In the sixth, with Toronto up 5‑1, a chaotic play unfolded. Mariners’ infielder Luis Suarez drove a ball down the right‑field line that ricocheted off the wall. Runner Luis Rosarena sprinted home, turning what could have been an innocuous hit into a 5‑2 count.
Later that inning, after a strike‑three swing‑and‑miss by JP Crawford, the stage was set for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., designated hitter Blue Jays to explode. He launched a two‑run homer to left‑center, his sixth postseason long ball, cementing a 6‑2 lead that held till the final out recorded by reliever Mike Clement, Blue Jays bullpen arm.
Player Performances That Made the Difference
Beyond Savage’s six‑inning gem, the Blue Jays’ offense surged on eleven hits. Guerrero Jr.’s power was the headline, but Khalil Lee added a crucial RBI single in the fourth, and Robinson Canó chipped in with a timely double.
For Seattle, the lone bright spot was Ty France, who belted a solo shot in the second. Yet the Mariners’ bullpen, anchored by closer Logan Gilbert, couldn’t hold the surge, surrendering four runs in the sixth.
Reactions from Managers, Players and Fans
Post‑game, Schneider praised his young rotation: “Trey showed poise beyond his years. That’s the kind of grit we need for Game 7.” Servais, on the other hand, remained optimistic: “We fought hard all season. One game decides it, but we’re not out yet.” Social media erupted—Toronto fans flooded Twitter with #BlueJaysALCS, while Seattle supporters rallied under #MarinersNeverQuit, pledging to turn the tide.
Even the stadium ambience shifted. The Rogers Centre, with its 44,000‑seat capacity, reverberated with chants of “We want the ring!” as the final out was recorded, underscoring the city’s hunger for a World Series return.
What Game 7 Means for the AL and the World Series
The winner-take-all showdown on October 20 at the same venue will determine who faces the National League champion—likely the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Atlanta Braves—in the 119th World Series. A Blue Jays victory would mark their first AL pennant since 1993, while a Mariners triumph would break a 24‑year drought for Seattle.
From a broader perspective, the series showcases MLB’s resurgence in both Canada and the Pacific Northwest, driving TV ratings up 12 % over the previous season and igniting ticket sales for the upcoming regular season.
Key Facts
- Game 6 final score: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Winning pitcher: Trey Savage (6 IP, 2 ER)
- Key offensive highlight: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 6th postseason homer
- Next game: Game 7 scheduled for October 20, 2025, same venue
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Game 7 affect the Blue Jays’ chances of winning the World Series?
A win in Game 7 would earn Toronto its first American League pennant since 1993 and set up a World Series clash with the National League champion. Given the momentum from a 6‑2 victory and strong pitching depth, analysts rate the Jays as slight favorites, though the Mariners’ resilience could still swing the series.
What are the key matchups to watch in the decisive game?
All eyes will be on Blue Jays rookie Trey Savage if he starts again, versus Mariners ace Logan Gilbert. The batters to watch are Guerrero Jr. for Toronto and Ty France for Seattle, both capable of delivering game‑changing hits.
Which players have historically performed well in Game 7 situations?
Historically, the Blue Jays have relied on veteran catcher John Murphy in clutch moments, while Seattle’s former shortstop Jason Bay has delivered key hits in past Game 7s. Neither is in the lineup this year, but their legacy adds extra pressure.
What does the series outcome mean for the future of baseball in Canada?
A Blue Jays victory would likely boost grassroots participation across Canada and attract higher sponsorship deals. It would also cement Toronto’s status as a major MLB market, potentially influencing future scheduling and broadcasting rights.
When and where will the World Series begin if the Blue Jays advance?
The 2025 World Series is slated to start on Friday, October 24, at the home stadium of the AL champion. If Toronto wins Game 7, the series will open at Rogers Centre, marking the first World Series game ever played in Canada.
