Toronto Blue Jays Claim Fall Classic Meeting Against the Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Astros securing the World Series in 2017.
The Toronto Blue Jays reached their initial championship series after the 1993 season by overcoming the Mariners in the final Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
Behind three runs to one, Springer hit a three-run blast in the seventh, propelling the only Canadian franchise in MLB to a four games to three win in the seven-game series. Next up are the defending champions, the team that is the reigning title, in the anticipated World Series.
"It's incredible for our team, our city, Canada," commented Springer, a star of the Astros team that claimed the 2017 championship. "This is such an amazing experience."
The veteran has now connected for 23 total post-season home runs, ranking him third in history trailing only Manny Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (twenty-seven).
"It's hard to imagine anyone else anywhere that I'd choose in that moment besides him with his post-season brilliance," remarked Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, despite leading the series 2-0 and 3-2, continue to be the only MLB franchise yet to make an appearance in a World Series.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson said "there's no question that it's going to sting" in the wake of his team's loss at Toronto's Rogers Centre, but commended their efforts throughout the year.
"They're an exceptional squad. Sadly that we ended up on the wrong side of the series," he remarked.
The Blue Jays secured the championship on each of their earlier trips in 1992 and '93, and are set to host the Dodgers in the first game on the upcoming Friday.
