Toronto Blue Jays Claim Fall Classic Matchup With defending champion Dodgers
George Springer was instrumental for the Houston Astros securing the championship in 2017.
The Toronto Blue Jays advanced to their first Fall Classic after 1993 by overcoming the Mariners in the seventh Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
Behind three runs to one, outfielder George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh, guiding the sole Canadian team in MLB to a 4-3 series triumph in the best-of-seven series. Awaiting them are the Dodgers, the team that is the reigning title, in the forthcoming Fall Classic.
"It's incredible for everyone here, our city, our country," said Springer, an integral part of the Astros team that claimed the 2017 World Series. "What an unbelievable moment."
Springer has now hit 23 total post-season home runs, placing him third on the list trailing only Manny Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (twenty-seven).
"It's hard to imagine another person on planet Earth that I want up in that moment besides George Springer with his playoff prowess," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, after leading the series two games to none and three games to two, continue to be the one club that has never reached in a Fall Classic.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented "without a doubt that it's painful" in the wake of his club's elimination at Toronto's Rogers Centre, but applauded their work this season.
"They're an exceptional squad. It's a shame that we had to come out on the unsuccessful side of this one," he added.
The Blue Jays secured the title on both previous visits in 1992 and '93, and will welcome the Los Angeles in the opener on this Friday.
