George Springer’s Home Run Sends Blue Jays to World Series

A dramatic three-run home run by George Springer propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 20, 2025. This victory marks the Blue Jays’ first American League pennant since 1993 and secures their place in the World Series, which will be held in Canada for the first time in over three decades.

With the game tied at 3-3 in the seventh inning, the Blue Jays found themselves in a precarious position after trailing 3-1. The pivotal moment came when Addison Barger and Isiah Kiner-Falefa reached base, setting the stage for Springer’s decisive swing. He connected against Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo, sending a 381-foot blast to left field that electrified the sellout crowd of 44,770 at Rogers Centre.

Springer, who was the 2017 World Series MVP for the Houston Astros, showcased his postseason prowess once again, hitting his fourth home run of this playoff season. This remarkable feat established a new record for the first go-ahead homer in Game 7 history when a team trailed by multiple runs in the seventh inning or later. It also marked the 23rd career postseason home run for Springer, tying him with Kyle Schwarber for third place on the all-time list.

The Blue Jays’ journey to this moment was not without challenges. The team became only the fourth franchise in Major League Baseball history to overcome a two-game deficit in a best-of-seven playoff series after losing the initial two games at home. Previous teams to achieve this feat include the 1985 Kansas City Royals, 1986 New York Mets, and 1996 New York Yankees.

Despite the heartbreak, the Mariners showed resilience. Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez each contributed solo home runs, helping Seattle build a 3-1 lead early in the game. However, the Mariners could not maintain their advantage and fell short of their first World Series appearance.

In the aftermath of the loss, Raleigh expressed disappointment, stating, “What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series. That’s what the bar is and the standard is and that’s what we want to hold ourselves accountable to.” Mariners manager Dan Wilson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team’s potential and the sting of the loss.

As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series, they will face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently completed a four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. The World Series matchup is set to begin with Game 1 on Friday, where the Blue Jays will host the Dodgers. Toronto finished the regular season with 94 wins, slightly ahead of the Dodgers, which grants them home-field advantage.

The significance of this moment extends beyond the game itself. Edward Rogers, chairman of the Blue Jays, stated, “I think it’s an inspiration for 41 million people in Canada, from coast to coast to coast. This is Canada’s team.”

On a personal note, Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly is set to make his World Series debut after a storied career in baseball, including time as a player and manager. The upcoming series presents an opportunity for the Blue Jays to capture their first championship since back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.

As anticipation builds for the World Series, the Blue Jays’ thrilling victory in Game 7 will be remembered as a defining moment in the franchise’s history, marking a significant return to the national spotlight.