Mariners’ World Series Dreams Dashed in Heartbreaking Game 7 Loss

UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners’ dreams of their first-ever World Series came crashing down in a heart-wrenching 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023.

Just eight outs away from history, the Mariners watched their hopes vanish as Eduard Bazardo surrendered a crucial three-run homer to George Springer in the seventh inning. Seattle’s star catcher, Cal Raleigh, expressed the team’s disappointment, stating, “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure.” The Mariners had set the standard high, aiming for a World Series victory.

After a promising season that included their first AL West title since 2001, the Mariners entered the postseason with soaring expectations. They had taken a 3-2 series lead against the Blue Jays but fell short, unable to secure a single win needed to clinch their place in the World Series.

Center fielder Julio Rodríguez reflected on the defeat, acknowledging the pain but also the nature of the game: “Obviously, it hurts. That’s also part of the game, too.”

The Mariners took an early lead in Game 7 when Rodríguez doubled and scored on Josh Naylor‘s single. They extended their advantage to 3-1 with Rodríguez’s fourth postseason homer and Raleigh’s fifth of the playoffs, but it wasn’t enough.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson made the pivotal decision to replace starter George Kirby with Bazardo in the fifth inning. Despite the setback, Wilson defended his choice: “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it.” Unfortunately for Seattle, it was a decision that would haunt them.

After Springer’s homer, the Mariners’ offense sputtered, failing to register a hit in the final four innings. The season ended when Leo Rivas, Dominic Canzone, and Rodríguez all struck out against Jeff Hoffman in the ninth.

“I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting,” Wilson said. “It’s a special team in there. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”

Having never advanced past Game 6 until this season, the Mariners now have a taste of how close they can get to the ultimate prize. Wilson emphasized their determination: “Once you get that, that’s what you’re shooting for again the next year, and I know that will continue to be the goal.”

As the Mariners reflect on this agonizing defeat, fans and players alike are left to ponder what could have been, setting the stage for a challenging offseason ahead. The Blue Jays will now head to the World Series for the first time since 1993, while Seattle must regroup for another attempt at breaking their championship drought.