UPDATE: Just moments ago, the Seattle Mariners’ hopes for their first World Series title slipped away in a devastating 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023.
With just eight outs remaining, the Mariners fell short in what many are calling one of the most heartbreaking moments in franchise history. “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure,” said Mariners star Cal Raleigh. “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.”
After clinching their first AL West title since 2001, Seattle entered this postseason with high aspirations, only to see their dreams evaporate in Toronto. “Obviously, it hurts,” center fielder Julio Rodríguez stated. “That’s also part of the game, too.”
The Mariners arrived in Toronto with a 3-2 series lead, needing just one victory to bring the World Series to the Pacific Northwest for the very first time. However, they were unable to secure the crucial win. The defeat in Game 6, where Seattle never led, set the stage for a tense Game 7 showdown.
Seattle initially took control, with Rodríguez doubling to lead off the game and scoring on Josh Naylor‘s single to put them ahead 1-0. Rodríguez’s fourth postseason homer extended the lead to 2-1 in the third inning, followed by Raleigh’s fifth homer of the postseason, boosting the Mariners to a 3-1 advantage.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the seventh inning. After Mariners manager Dan Wilson replaced pitcher George Kirby with Eduard Bazardo, the situation took a turn for the worse. Bazardo allowed a three-run homer to George Springer, sealing Seattle’s fate. “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it,” Wilson explained, expressing his regrets over the pivotal moment.
Seattle’s offense sputtered in the final four innings, failing to register a hit. The season came to an abrupt end as Raleigh, Leo Rivas, and Dominic Canzone all struck out against Jeff Hoffman in the ninth inning, leaving fans devastated.
“I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting,” Wilson said. “It’s a special team in there. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”
This season marked a significant achievement for the Mariners, who reached the ALCS for the first time in franchise history and came closer than ever to the World Series. “All of us now have had a taste of how close we can get and how good this team can be,” Wilson added, hinting at the potential for next season.
As fans grapple with the disappointment, the Mariners’ journey in the postseason will be remembered as both historic and heart-wrenching. What lies ahead for the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the drive to return to the playoffs and finally claim a World Series title is stronger than ever.
