The Blue Jays' bats finally came alive as they crushed the Mariners in ALCS Game 3, turning the tide in their favor.
After a slow start, scoring just four runs across the first two games, the Blue Jays unleashed their offensive power in Seattle. They swatted five home runs in a 13-4 rout, knocking out Mariners starter George Kirby after four innings. This win shifts the series momentum to Toronto, with the Blue Jays now trailing 2-1.
"No one expected us to win the division, no one expected us to be here, and I think the guys take that to heart," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said post-game. "I said it when we left Toronto: I hope we find some slug in the air out here. Maybe we did."
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a standout performer, reaching base five times and going 4-for-4, just a triple shy of a cycle. The Mariners took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning with Julio Rodriguez's two-run shot, but the Blue Jays responded with a five-spot in the third, fueled by Ernie Clement's double and Andres Gimenez's two-run homer.
George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each hit solo homers in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, showcasing their power. Kirby struggled, failing to record an out in the fifth inning and ultimately being charged with the first eight runs.
The contrast between Wednesday's performance and Kirby's stellar start in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Tigers is striking. In that game, he allowed one earned run over five innings, contributing to the Mariners' eventual 15-inning victory.
Toronto's bats have been a challenge throughout the ALCS, with Springer's leadoff homer in Game 1 being their only significant offensive output until Gimenez's blast on Wednesday. The Blue Jays needed a win in Game 3 to avoid an early series defeat, and their bats delivered.
On the mound, Shane Bieber recovered from a shaky start to pitch six innings, striking out eight and earning the win. Max Scherzer is set to start Game 4 against Luis Castillo, aiming to build on the team's newfound offensive momentum.
