Mariners Fall Short in ALCS Game 7, Dreams of World Series End

UPDATE: In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Seattle Mariners fell just short of their first-ever World Series appearance, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023. With only eight outs remaining, the Mariners’ dreams of a championship vanished in a decisive seventh inning.

Mariners’ star catcher Cal Raleigh expressed the team’s disappointment, stating, “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure. What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series.” This sentiment encapsulates the heartache felt across Seattle after a season filled with promise.

The Mariners, who clinched their first AL West title since 2001, entered the postseason with high hopes. However, they could not capitalize on their 3-2 series lead and now face an uncertain offseason. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez shared his emotions, saying, “Obviously, it hurts. That’s also part of the game, too.”

In a dramatic Game 7, Seattle initially took control, with Rodríguez doubling in the first inning and scoring on Josh Naylor‘s single. Rodríguez later hit his fourth postseason homer, giving the Mariners a 2-1 lead in the third inning. Raleigh added his fifth postseason home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 3-1.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh inning when relief pitcher Eduard Bazardo allowed a three-run homer to George Springer, turning the tide in favor of the Blue Jays. Mariners manager Dan Wilson defended his decision to bring in Bazardo, stating, “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it. It just didn’t go our way.”

Despite a strong start, the Mariners failed to secure a hit in the final four innings, with their season concluding as Leo Rivas, Dominic Canzone, and Rodríguez struck out in the ninth against Jeff Hoffman.

Wilson, a former catcher for the team, reflected on the loss, emphasizing the team’s potential and determination: “All of us now have had a taste of how close we can get and how good this team can be. That’s what you’re shooting for again the next year.”

The Mariners’ journey this season has been one of both triumph and heartbreak, leaving fans to ponder what the future holds. As the Blue Jays celebrate their return to the World Series for the first time since 1993, Seattle must regroup and prepare for another attempt at baseball’s ultimate prize next year.