Mariners vs. Blue Jays ALCS Game 1: What You Need to Know
Prepare for a thrilling showdown! The Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) starting this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, a matchup that caught everyone off guard at the beginning of the season. Both teams have fought hard to reach this point, and the excitement is palpable as they vie for the chance to compete in the World Series.
The Mariners secured their spot in the ALCS late Friday night with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in a grueling, 15-inning battle that fans in Seattle will recount for generations to come. Jorge Polanco emerged as the crucial player in Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), but it was a game that, while exhilarating for Mariners fans, also left many Blue Jays supporters feeling relieved given their team’s bye into the ALDS as the American League's top seed.
- Mark Your Calendars: ALCS Game 1 airs on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, brought to you by loanDepot on FOX.
As the Blue Jays watched the Mariners exhaust their bullpen, the advantage of having a fresh pitching squad cannot be understated. The Mariners had to stretch their arms, including starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, while the Blue Jays prepared with a well-rested rotation to counter their upcoming opponent's momentum. It's not just about having a solid lineup; momentum is a game-changer, especially during the high-stakes October games.
This represents a significant moment for both franchises. For the Mariners, this marks their first trip to the ALCS since 2001, while the Blue Jays haven't been this far since 2016. Both clubs are eager not only to advance but to taste World Series glory, with the Mariners still seeking their first championship and the Blue Jays aiming for their first since back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.
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The long-standing rivalry between these teams dates back to their expansion into the league in 1977, often becoming the venue for Canadian fans to showcase their support during games in Seattle. Remember the thrilling conclusion of the 2022 Wild Card Series? The Mariners overturned an 8-1 deficit to eliminate the Blue Jays in their home stadium—a moment etched in both team’s histories.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. captured the team's sentiment perfectly after clinching the ALDS, stating, "We've been in this together. Many may not have faith in us throughout the season, but I remind everyone that an entire nation believes in us, and we hope to bring the World Series back to Canada."
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As we count down the days to Game 1 on Sunday, watch for crucial updates on potential player returns. Expect news on Mariners starter Bryan Woo and Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, as both teams inch closer to securing the coveted spot in the World Series. With only four wins standing between them and championship glory, anticipation looms large.
- Here's Everything You Should Know About the ALCS Matchup!
Game Details
When you're eager to watch the action unfold:
- Date & Time: Sunday at 8:03 p.m. ET, live from Rogers Centre, Toronto.
- Viewing Information: U.S. viewers can tune in on FOX. For Canadian audiences, Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ will broadcast with commentary from Buck Martinez, Dan Shulman, and Hazel Mae. Additionally, the radio commentary can be caught live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.
- International Viewing: For fans outside Canada, all games are available on MLB.TV (authentication with a participating Pay TV provider required). Sportsnet is the designated English-language broadcaster in Canada for all postseason events, while TVA Sports covers the AL postseason in French, and RDS caters to the NL postseason audiences in French.
Starting Pitchers
Focusing on the pitching duels that will set the tone:
- Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (10-11, 3.59 ERA) takes the mound for Toronto, ready for another strong outing like his previous ALDS start against the Yankees. Rookie sensation Trey Yesavage (1-0, 3.21 ERA) is lined up for a probable Game 2 start, forming an effective one-two punch for the Jays. Gausman previously held his own against the Mariners this season, allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings, and now aims to avenge last year's Wild Card elimination.
- Gausman's Game History: He faced the Mariners back on May 9, and this game could serve as his moment of redemption.
The real question now for the Blue Jays is how they will finalize their pitching rotation beyond Gausman and Yesavage. With Shane Bieber now in the mix, they’ll also have to consider the contributions of Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, both of whom missed the ALDS roster.
- Mariners: As for the Mariners, their pitching situation remains uncertain due to the recent playoff intensity and the extended innings from Game 5. Both Gilbert and Castillo pitched significant innings, making their availability for Game 1 a challenging consideration. Potential options for the Mariners could also depend on Woo's health, who is recovering from pectoral inflammation. While Woo displayed encouraging signs during a recent bullpen session, his role in Game 1 may still be unlikely.
Likely Starting Lineups
Here’s a look at what each team’s starting lineup might look like:
- Blue Jays: If Bo Bichette returns, he may start as the designated hitter (DH), thus shifting George Springer to a corner outfield spot. If Bichette is ruled out, expect a lineup similar to what faced right-handers during the ALDS:
1. George Springer, RF
2. Nathan Lukes, LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
4. Bo Bichette, DH (if available)
5. Addison Barger, 3B
6. Alejandro Kirk, C
7. Daulton Varsho, CF
8. Ernie Clement, 2B
9. Andrés Giménez, SS
- Mariners: Under Manager Dan Wilson’s guidance, the Mariners’ lineup has become fairly consistent. It's likely they will field a nearly unchanged lineup against the right-handed pitchers, following their ALDS strategy:
- Randy Arozarena, LF
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Julio Rodríguez, CF
- Jorge Polanco, 2B
- Josh Naylor, 1B
- Eugenio Suárez, 3B
- Dominic Canzone, DH
- Victor Robles, RF
- J.P. Crawford, SS
- Randy Arozarena, LF
Bullpen Dynamics
After the starters, here's what each team's bullpen is looking like:
- Blue Jays: With their recent successful bullpen game against the Yankees, confidence is high in Toronto. The inclusion of Scherzer and Bassitt could mean changes for Justin Bruihl and Tommy Nance's roster spots. The core group, comprising standout pitchers like Louis Varland and Seranthony Domínguez, is shaping up well for the postseason grind.
- Mariners: The Mariners' bullpen strategies will be under scrutiny after the heavy workload in the ALDS. In their Game 5, pitchers like Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, and Eduard Bazardo had to step up, with many pitchers clocking long innings, increasing the depth challenge for this ALCS.
Key Injury Reports
- Blue Jays: All eyes are on Bichette’s left knee sprain as the primary concern leading up to Game 1. Meanwhile, Bassitt has healed from his lower back issue, while Santiago Espinal and José Berríos are dealing with their own setbacks, potentially impacting the rotation.
- Mariners: Woo’s recovery from pectoral inflammation has been closely monitored. Although he was left off the ALDS roster, optimism surrounds his return this series. Yet, the recent stress on their bullpen resources raises a question of whether Woo can make an immediate impact, emphasizing the importance of his potential comeback for Seattle's pitching depth.
Who’s Thriving and Who’s Struggling?
- Blue Jays: This team is riding high with an exceptional .338 batting average and .974 OPS in the ALDS. Guerrero Jr. was phenomenal, racking up nine hits, three homers, and nine RBIs.
- Mariners: On the other side, Cal Raleigh demonstrated his ability to contribute, hitting .381 in the ALDS—though the rest of the team struggled significantly.
Final Thoughts
The excitement surrounding this matchup is electric! With so much on the line for both franchises, the ALCS promises to be an unforgettable battle.
* A staggering 3.8 million viewers tuned in for the Blue Jays, showcasing their popularity across Canada.
* Did you know Alaska Airlines even adjusted its flight schedule in response to the Mariners’ thrilling victory?
What are your predictions for Game 1? Will the fresh arms of the Blue Jays overshadow the Mariners' momentum? Let us know your thoughts below!
