Mariners Stun Blue Jays 3-1 on Road to Capture ALCS Game 1
When Cal Raleigh, a 28‑year‑old American catcher for Seattle Mariners launched a sixth‑inning, game‑tying homer, the atmosphere at Rogers Centre shifted from electric to tense. Just two nights after Seattle survived a 15‑inning marathon in Houston, the Mariners walked onto the field on Sunday, October 12, 2025, and handed the Toronto Blue Jays a 3–1 defeat in Game 1 of the 2025 American League Championship SeriesToronto. The win not only gave the visiting team a statistical edge—historically, road winners in a best‑of‑seven series go on to win 56.3% of the time—but also thrust a weary Seattle squad into the spotlight of a franchise‑defining moment.
- Final Score: Mariners 3, Blue Jays 1
- Key Players: Cal Raleigh (HR), Jorge Polanco (two RBI singles), Bryce Miller (6 strong innings)
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
- Historical Note: Seattle’s first ALCS appearance since 2001
How the Game Unfolded
Toronto drew first blood when George Springer, the 35‑year‑old right fielder, ripped a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first. The Blue Jays added a second run in the third inning, pulling ahead 2–0. But Seattle’s offense answered back in the sixth. Cal Raleigh turned a two‑out, two‑strike count into a 414‑foot blast over the left‑field wall, knotting the game at 2–2.
The real drama unfolded later that inning when Jorge Polanco belted a single that scored Randy Arozarena from third, giving Seattle a 3–2 lead. The Mariners’ bullpen, still feeling the fatigue of a cross‑country flight, held firm for the next two innings.
In the eighth, Polanco delivered the decisive blow—another clutch single that drove in the go‑ahead run. After the play, Blue Jays manager John Schneider pulled his starter, but the damage was done. Seattle’s defense sealed the victory when Addison Barger, the 27‑year‑old Canadian third baseman, tried to throw at home and was tagged out by Raleigh for the final out.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Bryce Miller, the 26‑year‑old right‑hander, logged a gritty six‑inning effort on short rest. He surrendered only one run on three hits, striking out five and walking two. Miller’s stamina was evident—he fought off the urge to over‑pitch, trusting his defense to make the plays.
The Mariners’ offense was a study in timely hitting. Raleigh’s homer not only erased the deficit but also shifted momentum. Polanco’s two RBI singles, delivered in the sixth and eighth innings, were the kind of clutch that fans remember for decades. In contrast, Toronto’s bullpen faltered after the sixth, unable to suppress Seattle’s late surge.
Blue Jays’ offense, while explosive early, went quiet after the third inning. Their inability to respond to the Mariners’ comeback left them scrambling for a rally that never materialized.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
This was Seattle’s first ALCS appearance since the 2001 “Show‑time” squad fell short to the Yankees. The city’s baseball faithful have waited 24 years for a shot at the World Series. The data backs the excitement: since the ALCS adopted the 2‑3‑2 format, road teams that win Game 1 have gone on to take the series 40 of 71 times (56.3%).
Bookmakers reflected that trend. For Game 2, scheduled for Monday, October 13, the Blue Jays were favorites at -164 on the moneyline, while the Mariners sat at +138. The over/under was set at 8.0 runs (‑109 for the over, ‑111 for the under). Those numbers tell a story—Toronto is still the betting favorite, but Seattle’s road win narrows the gap.
What This Means for the Series
Taking Game 1 on the road gives the Mariners an edge they’ll be eager to protect. The statistical advantage means Seattle now controls the narrative; a win in Game 2 would put them up 2‑0 and force Toronto to win three straight—a daunting task.
For the Blue Jays, the loss is a setback but not a death knell. Their regular‑season record of 94 wins still makes them the AL’s top seed, and they have depth in both the rotation and the lineup. Manager John Schneider will likely lean on veteran arms and perhaps shuffle the bullpen to keep pitchers fresh for the long haul.
Seattle’s bullpen, taxed by travel and the 15‑inning ALDS marathon, will need to recover quickly. If they can replicate Miller’s six‑inning durability, they could sustain the lead. Otherwise, the series could swing back to Toronto in Game 3 when the teams shift to Seattle’s ballpark.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 Preview
Monday’s showdown promises a classic pitcher’s duel. Toronto will likely start right‑hander Kevin Gausman, while Seattle could counter with left‑hander Logan Gilbert. Both arms have posted sub‑3.00 ERAs this season, so innings‑eating performances are expected.
The strategic battle will center on the middle of the order. Seattle hopes to spark another rally with Polanco or Arozarena, while Toronto will lean on Springer's power and veteran slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to answer the Mariners’ pitching.
Regardless of the outcome, the series is already shaping up as one of the most compelling postseason matchups in recent memory—an under‑dog road triumph versus a blue‑chip favorite. Fans in both cities will be glued to the action, and the baseball world will be watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Seattle’s Game 1 win affect the odds of a Mariners World Series berth?
Winning on the road gives Seattle a statistical edge—historically, road winners in a best‑of‑seven series take the series 56.3% of the time. It also boosts the team’s morale and puts pressure on Toronto to win three straight, a scenario that has only a 30% success rate in recent ALCS history.
What were the key factors behind Bryce Miller’s six‑inning performance?
Miller mixed fastballs and cutter in the mid‑90s with pinpoint location, limiting hard contact. He also benefitted from solid defensive support—particularly the outfielders’ ability to cut off extra bases—and kept his pitch count low despite short rest.
Why did the Blue Jays struggle after their early lead?
Toronto’s offense stalled once Raleigh tied the game. Their timely hitting waned, and the bullpen couldn’t hold the Mariners in check, allowing Seattle to string together key hits in the sixth and eighth innings.
What can we expect from Game 2’s pitching matchup?
Both starters—Kevin Gausman for Toronto and Logan Gilbert for Seattle—have sub‑3.00 ERAs and are capable of pitching deep into games. Expect a low‑scoring duel where the outcome will hinge on who can generate the first big inning.
How does this series compare to the Mariners’ 2022 Wild Card comeback?
Both moments share the theme of resilience—Seattle overcame a marathon ALDS in 2025 and a dramatic 2022 Wild Card win at the same venue. The 2025 ALCS win marks the franchise’s deepest postseason run in over two decades, echoing the grit shown in 2022 but on a larger stage.