Eugenio Suárez hit a game-changing grand slam in the eighth inning as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 on Friday, taking a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series. The win puts Seattle one victory away from reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
The rally began with a leadoff home run by Cal Raleigh in the eighth inning, tying the game at 2-2. Raleigh’s homer, which cleared the left-field fence off pitcher Brendon Little, marked his fourth home run of the playoffs after a major-league-leading 60 during the regular season.
Little then walked Jorge Polanco and Josh Naylor before being replaced by Seranthony Dominguez. Dominguez hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch, loading the bases with no outs. Suárez, who had opened the scoring with a solo shot in the second inning, then launched an opposite-field grand slam to right, giving the Mariners a decisive 6-2 lead at T-Mobile Park.
Seattle reliever Gabe Speier pitched a scoreless inning for the win, while closer Andres Munoz retired the side in order in the ninth inning in a non-save situation.
Toronto’s leadoff hitter and designated hitter George Springer, who had driven in the tying run with a fifth-inning double, left the game after being hit on the right knee by a pitch in the seventh inning. The Blue Jays have not yet provided an update on his status for the remainder of the series.
Toronto had briefly taken a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning off Bryan Woo, who was making his first relief appearance outside of this summer’s All-Star Game. Woo, who had been sidelined since September 19 due to a strained pectoral muscle, allowed a double to Alejandro Kirk and a single to Ernie Clement, giving Toronto the temporary lead.
Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman pitched five and two-thirds innings, giving up one run on three hits, with three walks and four strikeouts. Seattle starter Bryce Miller threw four-plus innings, allowing one run on four hits, walking two, and striking out four.
With the series now shifting back to Toronto for Game 6 on Sunday, the Mariners are positioned to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history if they secure a win. Suárez’s grand slam not only provided the Mariners with the lead but also highlighted his key role in Seattle’s postseason success.
The Mariners and Blue Jays will continue their ALCS battle as Toronto seeks to even the series while Seattle looks to close out the championship series and earn their first-ever trip to the World Series.
