It all comes down to this.
The Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays will face off for the final time in 2025 for the honor of winning the American League Pennant. Whoever walks away with the win tonight will represent the American League against the feared Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
Both teams have fought incredibly hard throughout the postseason and should be incredibly proud. For the long-suffering Mariners, a win tonight will mark their first World Series appearance in their 49 seasons of existence.
For the Blue Jays, the victory represents their first World Series appearance since the immortal words “Touch ’em all, Joe!” were pronounced in October 1993.
On the bump representing the Mariners is right-hander George Kirby. After two strong performances against the Detroit Tigers in the Division Series, Kirby faced the Blue Jays last week. He pitched just four innings and gave up eight earned runs on eight hits – three of which were home runs – and two walks. A bounce-back performance against a team that has had this seed would be a big step forward, especially if the bullpen has put in a lot of work.
Starting for the Blue Jays is the right-handed former Cleveland Guardian in Shane Bieber. Bieber finally seems healthy and threw a gem against the Mariners last week. In six innings, he gave up just two earned runs on four hits and a walk, while striking out eight.
For both teams, a win marks the next step in an uphill battle. The Dodgers and their killers’ line of highly paid talent await.
First pitch: 6:10pm MDT
Radio: ESPN (national); Mariners Radio Seattle Sports 710am; Blue Jays Radio SN590
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