Mariners Shutout Jays and Steal Game 1 of the ALCS

Seattle Mariners Kick Off Championship Series with Victory Over Blue Jays

Toronto – The Seattle Mariners showcased their prowess by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays with a score of 3-1 in the first game of the American League Championship Series, marking their return to this stage after 24 years. Bryce Miller, despite a complicated start, recovered and offered a solid performance from the mound, pitching six quality innings. Jorge Polanco’s timely hitting, who hit a crucial single in the sixth inning, and Cal Raleigh’s home run were decisive for the Mariners’ victory.

The year, personally, wasn’t what I expected, but we’re in the Championship Series and I was able to go out there and set the tone. I felt great.

Bryce Miller

Cal Raleigh, with his second postseason home run, tied the score in the sixth inning. George Springer of the Blue Jays hit a home run on the first pitch of the game. Seattle’s pitchers, including Miller, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andres Munoz, limited the Blue Jays to just two hits after the first inning.

The work Bryce Miller did tonight was phenomenal. After that first inning, he went into another gear. You saw him getting ahead, using his whole repertoire.

Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager

Miller, who took the victory, struck out three batters and conceded three walks in six innings, using 76 pitches. Seattle’s relievers held the lead, with Muñoz securing the save. Polanco continued his good moment with another run-producing single in the eighth inning. The Mariners, after a home victory against the Tigers, traveled to Toronto to face the Blue Jays. The Seattle team, which has never hosted a World Series game, limited Toronto to just two hits, a big difference compared to the 50 hits and 34 runs the Blue Jays scored in their divisional series.

We are a very good offense. Today it just didn’t work.

John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager

Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., despite an outstanding performance in the previous series, failed to connect any hits in this game. Springer, with his home run, moved up to fifth place on the postseason home run list. Raleigh’s home run was his fourth against pitcher Kevin Gausman. Gausman allowed two runs and three hits in 5⅔ innings. In the first inning, Raleigh singled, but was thrown out at the plate. Polanco drove in a run with a single. Eugenio Suarez hit a double that almost became a home run. Nathan Lukes, of the Blue Jays, had to leave the game due to a knee injury.