Battle-tested Blue Jays and Mariners set to clash in thrilling ALCS opener tonight
The American League Championship Series (ALCS) kicks off tonight, featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners in a best-of-seven format. Both teams are eager, battle-tested, and ready to make their mark on the postseason.
Series Overview
The series opener will take place at Rogers Centre in Toronto at 8:03 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays secured their spot in the ALCS by defeating the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. They accomplished this feat in just four games, wrapping up their series on Wednesday.
On the other hand, the Seattle Mariners faced a grueling contest against the Detroit Tigers, needing to go through 15 innings and nearly five hours to clinch their Game 5 victory on Friday. Despite their exhausting series, the Mariners remain determined to advance further.
Team Preparation
- The Blue Jays had three full days to rest and refocus.
- The Mariners, after their marathon victory, traveled to Toronto late for the opener.
Starting Pitchers
Toronto will feature right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman on the mound. The Mariners will counter with their own right-hander, Bryce Miller. Seattle utilized three starting pitchers in their recent win against Detroit.
Season Meetings
During the regular season, the Blue Jays and Mariners faced off six times, with Toronto winning four of those encounters. Here’s a breakdown:
| Matchup | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Jays vs. Mariners | Toronto | Mariners won 2 of 3 |
| Blue Jays vs. Mariners | Seattle | Blue Jays swept 3 games |
Historical Context
It is noteworthy that Seattle is the only Major League Baseball team that has never hosted a World Series. This adds a unique layer of significance to their pursuit of the championship.
As the ALCS opens, anticipation builds in Toronto and beyond. Fans await an exciting confrontation between these two skilled teams as they vie for a shot at the World Series.
