Toronto Blue Jays Advance to World Series After Thrilling ALCS Game 7 Win

The Fall Classic is now set. After the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS, they’ll be the ones looking to take down the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

The Toronto Blue Jays have secured their first World Series appearance since 1993 by defeating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in a thrilling Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The Blue Jays will face the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the Fall Classic starting Friday. Notably, infielder Buddy Kennedy will earn a World Series ring regardless of the outcome, having played for both the Blue Jays and Dodgers during the 2025 season.

Key points:

• The Blue Jays won Game 7 of the ALCS 4-3 against the Mariners, clinching their first World Series berth since 1993.
• George Springer hit a decisive three-run homer in the seventh inning to turn the game around.
• Buddy Kennedy, a little-known infielder who played for Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Phillies in 2025, will receive a World Series ring no matter the outcome.
• Toronto earned home-field advantage in the World Series due to their superior regular-season record.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending champions, swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS and await the Blue Jays in the Fall Classic.

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Toronto Blue Jays advance to the World Series after dramatic Game 7 win

On Monday night, the Toronto Blue Jays sealed their return to the World Series for the first time since the early 1990s by outlasting the Seattle Mariners in a nail-biting 4-3 Game 7 victory at the Rogers Centre. The pivotal moment unfolded in the bottom of the seventh inning when George Springer, a veteran with postseason brilliance, blasted a three-run home run off Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo to erase a 3-1 deficit and establish a lead Toronto would never surrender.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider hailed Springer’s “October magic,” emphasizing the resilience and teamwork that propelled the team through adversity. After initially dropping the first two games at home in the ALCS, Toronto rallied by winning two on the road, enduring a loss in Game 5, then taking Games 6 and 7 back at home.

The Blue Jays’ postseason journey began by eliminating the New York Yankees in the divisional series. This year, Toronto improved dramatically from 2024, winning 94 regular-season games—a 20-game increase under Schneider’s leadership.

Buddy Kennedy emerges as a unique World Series champion

A fascinating subplot of this season is the journey of infielder Buddy Kennedy. Despite scant playing time in Major League games with three different teams—the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Phillies—Kennedy will walk away a World Series champion regardless of the Fall Classic’s outcome. Kennedy appeared in just two games for Toronto, seven for Los Angeles, and four for Philadelphia, spending most of 2025 in the Blue Jays’ minor league system (Triple-A). His rare distinction highlights a unique MLB career moment after only 67 major league games over eight years.

The significance of home-field advantage and upcoming matchup

Toronto secured home-field advantage for the World Series due to their superior regular-season record, allowing them to host Games 1 and 2 this Friday and Saturday at Rogers Centre. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), present a formidable challenge. The two teams met three times earlier this season, with the Dodgers winning two of those contests.

The Blue Jays feature plenty of momentum, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the ALCS MVP, inspiring the club. Toronto aims to capture its first World Series title since back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993, breaking a 21-year playoff drought and a long pennant drought.

Game 7 breakdown: key moments and performances

Game 7 showcased an intense back-and-forth battle. The Mariners opened scoring early with solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez. Seattle held a 3-1 lead into the seventh inning, but key events shifted the game. Addison Barger walked, Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled, and Andrés Giménez executed a sacrifice bunt to advance runners, setting the table for Springer’s dramatic home run.

Pitching played a critical role, with Kevin Gausman, in his first relief appearance since 2021, delivering a scoreless inning to secure the win. Chris Bassitt’s perfect eighth inning and Jeff Hoffman’s second postseason save rounded out Toronto’s pitching effort. Meanwhile, starter Shane Bieber struggled slightly, allowing two runs over 3 2/3 innings.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed the sting of defeat but recognized the team’s special season and efforts amid their pursuit of a first-ever pennant.

A historic rebound and Canadian pride

Toronto’s comeback in the ALCS marked the first time since the 1996 Yankees that a team lost the first two home games in a best-of-seven series only to rebound and win it. Blue Jays chairman Edward Rogers lauded the team as an inspiration for 41 million Canadians, embodying national pride.

Springer, tying for third place in postseason home runs with 23, now trails only Manny Ramírez and Jose Altuve in MLB history. His performance epitomizes the experience and clutch play vital for Toronto’s championship aspirations.

The atmosphere at Rogers Centre was electric, with 44,770 fans witnessing a historic moment for Canadian baseball. Adding to the flair, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arrived at the stadium wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey jersey in support of teammates across sports, demonstrating the city’s united sporting culture.

Looking ahead: the Fall Classic showdown

With the Fall Classic set to commence, the Toronto Blue Jays will look to harness their momentum and home crowd advantage against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, defending champions with a deep and talented roster led by Shohei Ohtani, represent a formidable obstacle.

Toronto’s blend of veteran leadership, young stars, and resilient character fueled by their 2025 campaign sets the stage for a World Series pursuit filled with high stakes and national excitement. Fans across Canada and baseball enthusiasts worldwide will watch closely as the Blue Jays seek to secure a third franchise championship and snap the 32-year wait.

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In summary, the Toronto Blue Jays' dramatic ALCS victory, spearheaded by George Springer’s clutch home run and guided by John Schneider’s leadership, marks a triumphant return to baseball’s grandest stage. Alongside this narrative is the fascinating journey of Buddy Kennedy, who uniquely stands to be a World Series champion this season no matter the final result. As the Fall Classic approaches, the baseball world braces for a legacy-defining showdown between the aspiring Blue Jays and the dominant Dodgers.

Questions and answers

Q: Toronto Blue Jays World Series appearance 2025

A: The Toronto Blue Jays made a notable appearance in the 2025 World Series, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. Their journey to the championship series showcased strong performances from key players and effective team strategy. Although the outcome varied, this appearance helped solidify the Blue Jays as a competitive team in Major League Baseball during the 2025 season.

Q: George Springer's home run ALCS Game 7

A: George Springer delivered a memorable home run in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), which was critical in his team's effort to clinch the series. His powerful at-bat energized fans and shifted momentum, contributing significantly to his team's postseason success. Such clutch hitting exemplified Springer's reputation as a postseason performer.

Q: Buddy Kennedy World Series ring

A: As of the 2025 season, Buddy Kennedy has earned a World Series ring, reflecting his contribution to a championship-winning team. Securing a World Series ring is a prestigious milestone for any MLB player, symbolizing success at the highest level of professional baseball. Kennedy's achievement highlights his value and impact within the team during their victorious campaign.

Q: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Toronto Blue Jays World Series

A: The 2025 World Series featured an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, two strong contenders in Major League Baseball. The series showcased high-caliber pitching, dynamic offense, and strategic plays from both sides. Fans witnessed intense competition, making it one of the memorable World Series matchups of the decade.

Q: 2025 MLB postseason highlights

A: The 2025 MLB postseason was packed with thrilling moments, including standout performances, dramatic comebacks, and pivotal plays. Key highlights included Game 7 heroics, spectacular home runs, and breaking of records by emerging stars. This postseason reinforced the excitement and unpredictability that makes playoff baseball a beloved spectacle for fans worldwide.

Key Entities

Toronto Blue Jays: The Toronto Blue Jays are a Major League Baseball team based in Toronto, Canada, and are part of the American League East division. Known for developing strong young talent, they have made several playoff appearances in recent years.

Seattle Mariners: The Seattle Mariners are an MLB team representing Seattle, Washington, competing in the American League West division. Despite a long history without a World Series title, they have produced notable players and maintain a loyal fanbase.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team with a storied history and multiple World Series championships. They are based in Los Angeles, California, and compete in the National League West division.

George Springer: George Springer is a professional baseball outfielder known for his power-hitting and clutch performances in postseason play. He has played for several MLB teams, including the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays.

Buddy Kennedy: Buddy Kennedy is a professional baseball infielder who has appeared in Major League Baseball games, showing promise as a developing player. He is affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

External articles

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