SEATTLE (AP) — When it mattered most, George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered, sparking the Toronto Blue Jays to a much-needed 13-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Wednesday.
After dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Toronto, the Blue Jays were under immense pressure to avoid falling into an insurmountable 3-0 hole. But with stellar performances from their veteran outfielder and star slugger, Toronto ensured the series was far from over.
Springer, a four-time All-Star and postseason veteran, and Guerrero, a five-time All-Star and one of the game’s premier hitters, played pivotal roles in a dominant showing that saw Toronto hit five home runs and cut Seattle’s series lead to 2-1.
Springer’s Powerful Presence
George Springer, the 2017 World Series MVP, has long been known for his ability to perform on the big stage. His track record in the postseason has been impeccable, and in Game 3, he lived up to that reputation.
Springer, who had struggled in the first two games of the series, hitting just 2-for-8 with a solitary homer, found his rhythm early in Game 3. His breakout came in the fourth inning, with two outs and Toronto leading 3-1. Facing Mariners starter George Kirby, Springer crushed a 94.8 mph sinker deep to center field for a solo home run. The ball traveled 431 feet, soaring over the center-field fence, and was his 22nd career postseason homer, tying him with Bernie Williams for fourth on the all-time list.
“I just try to help the team win, that’s all that matters to me,” Springer said after the game. “Anytime you can contribute in a game like this, it feels great, but the most important thing is the win.”
Springer finished the game with three hits, including the home run, and he also scored twice. His all-around effort helped set the tone for a Toronto offense that exploded for 13 runs.
“I think as a team, it was a good overall game,” Springer added. “We’ve got to take it one game at a time. Now, we focus on tomorrow.”
Springer’s performance was critical in ensuring Toronto did not allow the Mariners to build on their early momentum. The Blue Jays had been outplayed in the first two games, and Springer’s clutch hit provided the spark they needed.
Guerrero’s Offensive Masterclass
While Springer’s power showed up in a big way, it was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who put together the most complete performance of the night. Guerrero, who had struggled with a quiet 0-for-7 stretch in the first two games, exploded in Seattle, going 4-for-4 with a homer, three RBIs, and three runs scored.
Guerrero led off the fifth inning with a monster 406-foot solo shot off Kirby. The ball flew just over the glove of a leaping Julio Rodríguez at the center-field wall, adding to the growing lead and sending a message to the Mariners that Toronto was here to compete.
“I’m just happy we won,” Guerrero said through a translator. “For me, it’s always about the team, not about myself. I never think about my individual performance, I just focus on helping my team win.”
His homer was just one of several big moments for the Blue Jays’ star slugger. Guerrero reached base on an infield single in the first inning and then doubled in the third, scoring on Daulton Varsho’s two-run double. By the time the game reached the eighth inning, Guerrero had put himself in a position to complete the rare postseason cycle. He needed a triple, and with Toronto leading 12-2, he came to the plate with the chance to seal the deal.
Guerrero drove a sharp liner to right-center that rolled all the way to the wall, but third base coach Carlos Febles held him at second, even though Guerrero clearly had the speed to reach third. Guerrero laughed off the decision, jokingly hollering toward the dugout.
“I was kind of asking him if he thought I could make it to third,” Guerrero said. “He told me no. I guess I’ll have to try again next time.”
While Guerrero may have missed out on the cycle, he still had an impressive night. The 26-year-old had a strong postseason showing in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, where he hit .529 (9-for-17) with three homers and nine RBIs in four games.
“I go out there every day and give everything I’ve got for my team,” Guerrero added. “Thank God, everything came out good today, and I did well.”
Guerrero’s approach and relentless work ethic have earned him a place among the game’s elite players, and his performance in Game 3 was a reminder of why he’s one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
The Blue Jays’ Power Surge
While the efforts of Springer and Guerrero were the focal points, the entire Blue Jays lineup contributed to the team’s five-homer onslaught. Alejandro Kirk, who has shown himself to be a clutch hitter in his own right, hit a three-run shot in the sixth inning, part of a four-run outburst that essentially put the game out of reach.
The Blue Jays’ offensive explosion was a much-needed bounce-back after being outscored 20-6 in the first two games of the series. With their backs against the wall, they showed exactly why they are one of the most potent offenses in Major League Baseball.
“I think it was just a matter of time before our offense clicked,” said manager John Schneider. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, and sometimes it takes a game like this to remind ourselves what we’re capable of.”
The Blue Jays now have a chance to level the series in Game 4, with the momentum squarely on their side. Toronto will look to capitalize on their Game 3 performance and tie the series before returning home for Game 5.
Seattle’s Struggles
For the Mariners, Game 3 was a bitter disappointment. After their dominant performances in Toronto, Seattle couldn’t find their footing in this contest. Kirby, who had been a reliable starter for Seattle all season, struggled, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in just 4.1 innings of work. The Mariners’ bullpen also faltered, and their offense was unable to keep up with Toronto’s explosive attack.
However, the Mariners have shown resilience throughout the season, and they will look to bounce back quickly in Game 4 to maintain their series lead. But with Toronto’s powerful offense coming to life, Seattle will need to regroup and ensure they don’t allow the Blue Jays to build any more momentum.
Looking Ahead
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Mariners, both teams head into Game 4 with high stakes. The Blue Jays have the momentum after their commanding Game 3 win, and they’ll be looking to even things up and send the series back to Toronto with a chance to take control.
For Springer and Guerrero, their performances were a reminder of the immense talent they possess. If both players continue to deliver on this stage, Toronto could find themselves back in the series in a hurry.
“We’ve got a lot of fight left in us,” Springer said. “We’re not going anywhere.”
