Raleigh’s Home Run and Polanco’s 2 RBIs Propel Mariners to 3-1 Victory Over Blue Jays in ALCS Opener

In a thrilling AL Championship Series opener, the Seattle Mariners defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1, marking their return to the ALCS after 24 years. This victory was characterized by standout performances, particularly from pitcher Bryce Miller and slugger Cal Raleigh.

Key Highlights of the Game

• Bryce Miller’s Performance: Miller pitched six innings, striking out three and walking three while allowing just one run. He faced early challenges but rebounded effectively.
• Cal Raleigh’s Home Run: Raleigh hit a crucial solo home run in the sixth inning, his second of the postseason and a critical moment that tied the game.
• Jorge Polanco’s Contributions: Polanco delivered a go-ahead single in the sixth and added another RBI single in the eighth inning, solidifying the Mariners’ lead.

Game Summary

The game began with a strong start for the Blue Jays, as George Springer homered on the first pitch thrown by Miller. However, Miller quickly composed himself, managing to escape a potential scoring jam in the first inning. Over his six innings, he effectively utilized his pitches, allowing only one hit after the initial inning.

Cal Raleigh’s game-tying home run was particularly impressive considering Kevin Gausman had previously dominated batters with his splitter. This pivotal moment reenergized the Mariners, who capitalized on the momentum shift.

Statistics and Records

Seattle’s pitching staff, including Miller and relievers Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz, effectively retired 23 of the last 24 batters faced. They only needed 100 pitches in total, a remarkable feat considering their exhausting previous game against the Tigers, which required 209 pitches.

• Cal Raleigh: Second home run of postseason, ninth in 14 games at Rogers Centre.
• Bryce Miller: Struck out three, walked three, threw 76 pitches.
• Mariners’ Pitch Count: Combined 100 pitches in the game.

Next Steps

As the series progresses, the Mariners aim to build on this solid performance. Game 2 is set to feature Blue Jays’ right-hander Trey Yesavage, who previously set a postseason record by striking out 11 Yankees in 5 1/3 innings. Logan Gilbert will start for the Mariners after a brief relief appearance in the last game.

This matchup showcases the resilience and talent of both teams, promising an exciting continuation of the AL Championship Series.