UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Seattle Mariners saw their World Series dreams dashed just eight outs away, losing 4-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023.
This heartbreaking defeat marks a significant moment in Mariners history, as they continue to be the only franchise never to reach the World Series. Star catcher Cal Raleigh expressed his disappointment, stating, “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure. What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series.”
The Mariners entered Game 7 with high hopes after leading the series 3-2 but could not secure a victory in Toronto. After a promising start, including a double by Julio Rodríguez that led to an early score, the momentum shifted dramatically after a critical seventh-inning home run by George Springer.
“Obviously, it hurts,” said Rodríguez. “That’s also part of the game, too.”
Seattle took a brief lead with Rodríguez’s fourth postseason homer, pushing the score to 3-1 in the fifth inning. However, the tide turned when reliever Eduard Bazardo allowed a three-run homer to Springer, sealing the Mariners’ fate. Manager Dan Wilson defended his decision to bring in Bazardo, saying, “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it.”
As the final innings unfolded, the Mariners struggled, failing to record a hit in the last four frames. The game concluded with a strikeout against Jeff Hoffman, ending Seattle’s season on a somber note.
Wilson, who played for Seattle from 1994-2005, reflected on the team’s journey: “I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting. It’s a special team in there. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”
Despite the disappointment, the Mariners can take pride in a season that saw them claim their first AL West title since 2001. The team is now left to ponder their next steps as they prepare for an offseason filled with questions about how to build on this success.
Fans and players alike are left wondering what the future holds as the Mariners aim to rise again. With the Blue Jays advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1993, the Mariners’ journey serves as a reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in professional sports.
As the dust settles on this hard-fought season, all eyes will be on Seattle and how they respond to this crushing loss. What comes next for the Mariners is uncertain, but the resolve to return stronger next year is clear.
