When George Springer, outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays launched a three‑run homer in the seventh inning of Game 7 on October 20, 2025, the stadium erupted and the Jays clinched a spot in the World Series for the first time since 1993.
The decisive swing came at Rogers Centre in Toronto, where a packed crowd of 49,286 witnessed a 4‑3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. The win capped a dramatic American League Championship Series that had swung back and forth for six intense games.
Background: Blue Jays’ Road to Game 7
Toronto entered the postseason with a 94‑68 regular‑season record, clinching the AL East under the steady stewardship of General Manager Ross Atkins and Manager John Schneider. After dropping the first two games at home, the Jays rebounded with two wins in Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park, forcing a decisive seventh matchup back in Toronto.
Seattle, meanwhile, leaned on a 90‑72 season record and the strategic mind of General Manager Justin Hollander, who’s been building a competitive AL West roster since 2021. The Mariners boasted a strong bullpen, highlighted by 28‑year‑old reliever Eduard Bazardo, who would later become the unwitting target of Springer’s historic blast.
The Game‑7 Thriller Unfolds
From the opening pitch at 7:08 p.m. ET, the atmosphere was electric. Seattle seized a 3‑1 lead in the top of the fifth, capitalizing on a solo home run by Julio Rodríguez and timely hits from Ty France and Justin Turner.
Toronto’s response was methodical. After a walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Danny Jansen ripped a double, and Bo Bichette’s sacrifice bunt moved the tying run into scoring position. Manager Schneider called on Jeff Hoffman, a 32‑year‑old right‑hander, to close the ninth inning.
The turning point arrived in the bottom of the seventh. With a 2‑1 count on Bazardo’s sinker, Springer launched the ball deep into left‑field seats, sending the crowd into a frenzy that echoed the night Joe Carter celebrated the ’93 title. The homer put Toronto ahead 4‑3, a lead they would never relinquish.
Key Performances and Historic Moments
Springer’s three‑run shot became the seventh‑inning highlight, but the night was also notable for Jeff Hoffman’s flawless final‑frame work. He struck out all three Mariners hitters — Rodríguez, France, and Turner — becoming the first pitcher since Calvin Schiraldi (1986 ALCS) to record a three‑out strikeout in the final inning of a Game 7.
Other standouts included Kevin Gausman, who gave the Jays a solid start, and Seattle’s young starter Bryan Woo, whose early walk to Guerrero Jr. set the stage for the rally. Statistically, the game featured 12 hits, five walks, and a total of nine runs, with both teams combining for 94 strikeouts across the series.
Reactions and What It Means for Toronto
Toronto fans poured onto city streets, chanting “Blue Jays! Blue Jays!” while local bars ran out of beer within the hour. "It feels like we’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment," said longtime season ticket holder Maria Alvarez, who’s attended every home playoff game since 2002.
Broadcast analysts highlighted the resilience of the 2025 squad. "They lost the first two games, but they never lost belief," noted former MLB commentator Ken Rosenthal. The win also reignites discussions about the franchise’s future under the ownership of Rogers Communications, which has invested heavily in player development and stadium upgrades.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 World Series
Next up, the Jays will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, with Game 1 slated for October 24, 2025, at 8:08 p.m. ET back at Rogers Centre. The Dodgers, fresh off a 102‑60 season, bring a veteran‑heavy lineup and a deep bullpen, setting the stage for a classic East‑vs‑West showdown.
Analysts predict a tight series, citing the Jays’ balanced attack — strong offense, solid starting rotation, and a clutch bullpen — versus the Dodgers’ seasoned hitters and postseason experience. If Springer can repeat his heroics, Toronto could close a 32‑year championship drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ALCS win affect Toronto’s chances in the World Series?
The victory boosts the Jays’ confidence and proves they can thrive under pressure. Their balanced roster — anchored by springer’s power and a bullpen that just logged a historic strikeout inning — puts them on equal footing with the Dodgers, who rely heavily on experience. Statistically, Toronto’s run differential (+3) and late‑inning resilience suggest they can compete in a best‑of‑seven series.
Who were the standout players in Game 7?
George Springer’s three‑run homer was the headline, but Jeff Hoffman’s three‑strikeout inning sealed the win. Vancouver’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided a crucial RBI single, while Danny Jansen’s double set up the big inning. On Seattle’s side, Julio Rodríguez’s early home run kept them in the game, but Eduard Bazardo’s surrender of the homer proved the turning point.
What does this win mean for the Blue Jays’ legacy?
It ends a 32‑year World Series drought that began after Joe Carter’s iconic 1993 walk‑off. The triumph refreshes the franchise’s narrative from a nostalgic ‘90s powerhouse to a modern contender, potentially influencing future free‑agent decisions and solidifying Rogers Communications’ commitment to keeping the team competitive.
When and where is the World Series scheduled?
Game 1 of the 2025 World Series is set for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:08 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The series will follow a 2‑3‑2 home‑away format, with Games 2‑4 shifting to Los Angeles.
What were the key stats from the ALCS Game 7?
Toronto recorded four runs on 12 hits, while Seattle managed three runs on 9 hits. Jeff Hoffman struck out three batters in the ninth, the first such feat in a Game 7 since 1986. Springer’s homer was a three‑run blast on a 2‑1 count, and the game featured nine total strikeouts by the Jays’ bullpen.
