Mariners Silence Blue Jays’ Bats in ALCS Game 1, Take Series Lead

The Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff dreams hit an early roadblock Sunday night as the Seattle Mariners stole Game 1 of the American League Championship Series with a 3–1 win. What began with instant fireworks from George Springer ended in silence as Toronto’s offense sputtered through the final eight innings.

Springer opened the game with a bang, hammering the first pitch he saw over the left-field wall to ignite the home crowd. The energy inside Rogers Centre was electric, and for a brief moment, it looked like the Blue Jays were ready to roll. But that would be their only run of the night.

Kevin Gausman was in control early, mixing his fastball and splitter effectively, but the sixth inning unraveled everything. Cal Raleigh crushed a solo homer to tie the game, and moments later, Jorge Polanco singled home Julio Rodríguez to give Seattle the lead. Gausman’s pitch count climbed, and Toronto’s bullpen was called into action sooner than planned.

On the other side, Seattle starter Bryce Miller delivered a near-perfect performance. Pitching on short rest, he stifled Toronto’s lineup, allowing just four hits and one run across six innings. The Mariners’ bullpen followed with three shutout frames, keeping the Jays’ bats frozen in place.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette couldn’t get going, and Toronto managed just one baserunner after the fifth inning. Every rally attempt fizzled, and as the final out was recorded, the energy that had filled the stadium after Springer’s blast faded into disappointment.

For the Mariners, it was a statement win—composed, strategic, and efficient. Polanco’s clutch hitting and Miller’s poise defined a team that seems to thrive in tight postseason games. For the Blue Jays, it was a reminder that one big swing isn’t enough in October.

Seattle now leads the series 1–0, shifting momentum squarely in their favor. Toronto will need to regroup quickly ahead of Game 2 if they hope to avoid heading west in a deep hole. The path to the World Series just got steeper, and the Jays’ offense must find its spark before it’s too late.