When George Springer, outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, belted a three‑run homer in the bottom of the seventh, the ALCS Game 7 at Rogers Centre in Toronto on October 20, 2025, turned a 4‑3 loss into a historic victory over the Seattle Mariners. The win snapped a 32‑year drought, sending the Jays to the World Series for the first time since 1993. In the ninth, rookie‑aged reliever Jeff Hoffman struck out the side, a feat not seen since 1986.
Road to Game 7
The Blue Jays entered the postseason as the American League East champions with a 94‑68 record, while the Mariners topped the AL West at 90‑72. After Seattle seized a 2‑1 series lead, Toronto rallied to win three straight, highlighted by a 13‑4 demolition in Game 3 at T‑Mobile Park, where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Springer combined for five homers. The comeback reminded fans of the 1992‑93 back‑to‑back titles, and the energy at Rogers Centre had been building for weeks.
The Decisive Play
Bottom of the seventh, two outs, runners on first and second: a 1‑2 count on Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz. Springer, wobbling a bit after a hard‑hit line drive earlier, stared down the pitcher, then launched a towering shot to deep left‑center. The ball cleared the fence by a good margin, sending the crowd of 49,825 into a roar that still echoes. Those three runs put Toronto ahead 4‑3, and the Mariners never recovered.
Bullpen Heroics in the Ninth
Jeff Hoffman, called in with two outs and a runner on first, faced the heart of Seattle’s lineup: Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and veteran designated hitter Justin Turner. One swing, one strikeout; two swings, two more K’s. The third batter swung through a fastball and was gone too. No baserunner reached, no run scored. It was the first Game 7 final‑inning three‑up‑three‑down strikeout since Calvin Schiraldi’s 1986 ALCS shutout.
Reactions from Players and Analysts
“George Springer is the epitome of a winner,” former Yankees star‑turned‑analyst Derek Jeter said on FOX Sports. “He delivered when it mattered most.” Alex Rodriguez added, “Thirty years of waiting, and they get it with a dramatic three‑run blast in the seventh.” Boston legend David Ortiz called it “one of the better Game sevens you’ll ever see.” Even longtime broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt noted the Mariners’ own power surge, but said Springer’s swing changed the narrative.
Implications and What’s Next
The Jays now await the National League champion, likely the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a World Series set to begin on October 25, 2025, at 8:08 PM ET. The matchup tests Toronto’s balanced roster—power hitters, a deep bullpen, and a rotation led by Kevin Gausman—against the West’s heavy‑hitting lineup. For Seattle, the loss marks the fifth Game 7 defeat in franchise history, reinforcing a narrative of postseason heartbreak that dates back to 1995.
Key Facts
- Game 7 final score: Toronto 4, Seattle 3.
- Springer’s three‑run homer came off Andrés Muñoz at 7:42 PM ET.
- Jeff Hoffman recorded three strikeouts in the ninth, the first such Game 7 feat since 1986.
- Attendance: 49,825 – a sold‑out crowd.
- World Series debut for the Jays since 1993; Mariners still seeking their first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Toronto’s chances in the World Series?
The victory gives the Blue Jays momentum and a psychological edge, especially after a clutch performance in a high‑pressure Game 7. Their balanced lineup and deep bullpen, highlighted by Springer's power and Hoffman’s closing strength, position them as legitimate contenders against any National League opponent.
What does this loss mean for the Seattle Mariners franchise?
Seattle’s fifth Game 7 defeat deepens a franchise‑wide narrative of near‑misses. While the 2025 season proved they can win the AL West, the loss underscores the need for more postseason experience and perhaps a tweak to their bullpen strategy, which faltered in the final inning.
Who are the likely candidates for the ALCS MVP award?
George Springer is the frontrunner, thanks to his game‑changing homer. Kevin Gausman’s dominant start and Jeff Hoffman’s historic strikeout inning also keep them in close contention.
When and where is the World Series scheduled to begin?
Game 1 of the 2025 World Series is set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 8:08 PM Eastern Time. The venue will depend on the National League champion’s home field.
What historical precedents exist for a team breaking a long World Series drought?
The most recent parallel is the Kansas City Royals, who won the World Series in 2015 after a 30‑year gap. The Blue Jays’ 32‑year hiatus mirrors that narrative of perseverance and eventual triumph.
