In the decisive Game Seven of the American League Championship Series, the Toronto Blue Jays edged the Seattle Mariners 4-3, thanks to a thunderous three-run shot from George Springer in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Blue Jays looked vulnerable early, after dropping games one and two on their home turf, facing a 3-1 series deficit. Seattle had surged out of the gate with two convincing road wins; Toronto responded in games three and four to tie the series, then dropped game five before forcing game seven with a clutch win in game six. 

Springer’s go-ahead homer made history, being the first go-ahead when trailing by multiple runs in a game seven, a first in MLB postseason history. Now the Blue Jays face the juggernaut matchup of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS and enter the World Series as “big favorites,” according to ESPN.  Toronto’s momentum is undeniable, yet the Dodgers’ rotation and October-caliber poise will be on display early on in the series.  

If Toronto continues its blend of timely hitting and bullpen resilience, it could be a huge upset. But if Los Angeles imposes its pitching dominance early with MVP-caliber Shohei Ohtani, the Blue Jays may struggle to keep pace. ESPN’s Doolittle writes: “All of this makes this first Dodgers-Jays showdown a fascinating clash of teams with contrasting styles of play.” Either way, Game 7 of the ALCS will be remembered as the springboard into what promises to be a classic Fall Classic showdown.