The Toronto Blue Jays edged the Seattle Mariners 4‑3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, October 20, 2025, clinching a return to the World Series for the first time since 1993. The clash unfolded at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, where a packed crowd of roughly 48,000 witnessed the drama of a franchise‑long drought finally snapping.
Game 7 Recap: How the Blue Jays Seized Victory
From the opening pitch, the atmosphere was electric. Seattle’s starter, Logan Gilbert, struggled early, surrendering three runs in the first inning. The Mariners managed to claw back two runs in the third, but a clutch two‑run single by Toronto’s Julio Rodríguez in the fifth gave the Blue Jays a 4‑2 lead. Seattle answered with a solo homer in the seventh off reliever Steven Hoffer, narrowing the gap to one run. The tension peaked in the ninth when the Mariners loaded the bases with two outs, only for Toronto’s closer Chris Sale to strike out the side, sealing a 4‑3 win.
Key Performances and Turning Points
While Gilbert’s four‑inning outing (5 runs, 4 earned) was the starkest stat, the game’s heroics came from the bench. Randal Grichuk delivered a go‑ahead double that drove in the decisive run in the eighth. On the Blue Jays’ side, starter Kevin Gausman threw six strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits and fanning eight batters.
Even with his knee still healing, Bo Bichette was in the dugout, cheering loudly. When asked about his health, he replied, "I'll be ready," a promise that raises expectations for the upcoming World Series.
Betting Landscape and Expert Takeaways
Leading up to the game, the odds favored Toronto at –130 on the moneyline, while Seattle sat at +109, according to ESPN BET. The over/under was set at 7.5 runs. Ross Benjamin, a veteran MLB odds analyst, had highlighted the Mariners’ bullpen fatigue as a risk factor, noting that the under seemed unlikely given both teams’ offensive firepower.
Another voice, Steve Merrill of WagerAlk.com, pointed to Seattle’s 3‑1 series lead as a double‑edged sword: "They’ve burned a lot of pitchers. The odds shifted quickly after Game 6, and you could've gotten value on the Mariners if you believed their bullpen would hold," he explained on his YouTube channel.
What This Means for the World Series
Toronto now faces the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, scheduled to open on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, fresh off a 106‑56 regular‑season record, boast a veteran‑heavy lineup led by Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. Analysts suggest the series will be a pitcher's duel, with Toronto’s starting rotation (Gausman, Kevin Kiermaier) needing to outmatch LA’s deep staff.
For the Blue Jays, this is a chance to rewrite franchise lore. The 1993 ALCS victory, capped by Joe Carter’s walk‑off home run, still haunts the city. As Daulton Varsho noted on ESPN’s SportsCenter, “The Blue Jays have to grind it out vs. Dodgers,” a reminder that past glory won’t guarantee future wins.
Historical Perspective: Mariners’ Quest and Blue Jays’ Return
The Mariners entered the series with a 90‑72 regular‑season record, the best in the American League West. Their 3‑1 lead after Game 4 marked the deepest postseason run in franchise history. Yet, after dropping three straight, the loss cemented a 45‑year World Series drought—the longest for any MLB team founded after 1970.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s 94‑68 regular‑season tally (54‑27 at home) underscores a decade‑long rebuild that finally paid off. The 2025 ALCS win is the first since the famed 1993 campaign, ending a 32‑year stretch without a pennant. Fans in Toronto, who endured years of rebuilding, finally tasted the buzz of a World Series ambience at the Rogers Centre, a venue that once hosted the 1992 World Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Blue Jays’ victory affect Toronto’s economy?
The win is expected to boost local revenue by an estimated $12‑15 million through increased merchandise sales, tourism, and higher attendance for the upcoming World Series games at the Rogers Centre. Restaurants and hotels near the stadium have already reported a 20% surge in bookings for the weekend of October 24.
What were the key statistical differences between the two teams in Game 7?
Toronto recorded 9 hits, 2 walks and struck out 10, while Seattle managed 7 hits, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. The Blue Jays also had a higher slugging percentage (0.687 vs. 0.452) and left 1.8 runs on base compared to the Mariners’ 2.4.
Who are the most likely starters for the World Series Game 1?
For Toronto, ace Kevin Gausman is slated to start, while Los Angeles will likely turn to left‑hander Clayton Kershaw, who posted a 2.45 ERA in the regular season.
What does the Mariners’ loss mean for their future roster moves?
General manager Jerry Mann hinted at a review of the bullpen depth and a possible trade for a high‑leverage reliever before the offseason deadline on November 12. The franchise aims to convert the near‑miss into a more sustainable playoff contender.
How did the betting odds shift after Game 6?
Following Seattle’s 6‑2 loss in Game 6, the moneyline for Toronto moved from –115 to –130, while Seattle’s odds slid from +105 to +109. The over/under remained at 7.5 runs, reflecting expectations of a tighter, lower‑scoring finale.
