#seattlebaseball

Spotted: a cute Seattle Mariners moose shoulder plushie from 2025 — and it’s pretty rare! Picked this up still in its original sleeve; the tiny Mariners sweater and sleepy eyes are the perfect nostalgic touch for any collector. If you’re into team merch or limited plush drops, this one’s a fun find — great for a shelf display or gifting to a long-time M’s fan. Thinking of listing it soon — DM if you want early details or photos. 🧡🟦

The Seattle Mariners opened the American League Championship Series with a statement win, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 3–1 on Sunday night. Behind the clutch hitting of Cal Raleigh and Jorge Polanco, and a rock-solid performance from starting pitcher Bryce Miller, the Mariners showed why they’re one of baseball’s most dangerous postseason teams.

Toronto’s home crowd was electric, ready to see their team start strong. But by the end of nine innings, it was Seattle celebrating — cool, composed, and already halfway to stealing home-field advantage. Fans tuning in on Sports Channel were treated to a game that had everything: stellar pitching, big defensive plays, and the kind of late-inning drama October baseball is made for.

Early Dominance from Gausman

Toronto’s ace Kevin Gausman came out dealing. Through five innings, he was nearly unhittable, commanding his fastball and splitter with precision. Seattle hitters looked frustrated, chasing pitches out of the zone and struggling to get the ball past Toronto’s infield.

But in the postseason, dominance can turn fragile in an instant. And that moment came in the top of the sixth.

Cal Raleigh Sparks the Comeback

Down 1–0 after George Springer’s early home run, Seattle finally broke through. With two outs and Gausman still looking sharp, Cal Raleigh stepped up and crushed a solo shot deep to right field — a no-doubt blast that silenced the Rogers Centre crowd and tied the game.

Moments later, Gausman walked Julio Rodríguez, forcing Toronto to turn to the bullpen. Brendon Little took the mound, but nerves got the better of him. A wild pitch allowed Rodríguez to advance to second, setting the stage for Jorge Polanco.

And Polanco delivered. With a perfectly timed swing, he lined an RBI single into center field, scoring J-Rod and putting Seattle ahead 2–1. It was classic Mariners baseball — grit, patience, and timely hitting when it mattered most.

Bryce Miller’s Masterclass on Short Rest

Bryce Miller wasn’t even supposed to pitch this soon. Coming off just three days of rest after his last start in the ALDS, many wondered how deep he could go. What he gave Seattle was far more than expected.

After giving up a solo homer to Springer and a single to Anthony Santander early, Miller locked in. From that point on, he retired 17 of the last 19 batters he faced. The Blue Jays couldn’t solve his fastball command, and his breaking stuff had just enough bite to keep Toronto guessing.

When he exited after six innings, his line told the story: one earned run, two hits, three strikeouts, and three walks. But more importantly, he handed a lead to one of the most reliable bullpens in the postseason — and they didn’t miss a beat.

Defensive Brilliance and Bullpen Shutdown

In the seventh, Gabe Speier took over and immediately found himself in trouble. A leadoff double from Eugenio Suárez put pressure on Toronto, but the Blue Jays couldn’t cash in. The inning ended with an incredible sliding catch in left field by Randy Arozarena — the kind of play that shifts momentum.

Then came the eighth, and Arozarena wasn’t done making headlines. After drawing a walk, he stole both second and third base, showing the kind of fearless baserunning that defines postseason stars. Jorge Polanco, once again the man of the moment, singled him home to extend Seattle’s lead to 3–1.

The Mariners’ bullpen — a mix of Speier, Andrés Muñoz, and Matt Brash — closed the door with precision. No hits, no walks, no runs. Just quiet dominance.

Jorge Polanco: Seattle’s Postseason Hero

Polanco has been on a tear. Just days removed from his walk-off hit to eliminate the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS, he continued his clutch streak in Game 1 of the ALCS. Going 2-for-4 with two RBI, Polanco’s confidence and poise at the plate stood out.

Seattle fans have seen this before — role players stepping into the spotlight when the stakes are highest. Polanco’s emergence gives the Mariners lineup a new level of depth, something every championship team needs.

Toronto’s Missed Chances

The Blue Jays had their moments but couldn’t capitalize. They finished 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position, a brutal stat line in playoff baseball. The home crowd grew tense as inning after inning slipped away without a rally.

Gausman’s strong outing went to waste, and Toronto’s bullpen faltered just enough to let Seattle seize control. The Jays will need to regroup fast before Monday’s Game 2.

The Road Ahead

Seattle now leads the series 1–0, with momentum firmly on their side. Their pitching staff combined for fewer than 100 pitches, an impressive feat of efficiency that keeps everyone fresh for the next battle.

The Blue Jays, meanwhile, find themselves in a familiar postseason bind — early adversity and questions about execution. If they can’t find answers against Seattle’s disciplined lineup, the Mariners might just be two wins away from their first World Series appearance in decades.

Game 2 takes place Monday, October 13, with Toronto desperately needing to even the series. Expect another intense matchup, broadcast live on Sports Channel, where all eyes will be on whether the Mariners can maintain their magic or if the Blue Jays can claw back into contention.

For Seattle fans, this isn’t just another playoff run — it’s the start of something special. With Raleigh’s power, Polanco’s poise, and Miller’s fire, this team looks ready to make history.