by Blue Jays beat Mariners 6-2 in Game 6, force thrilling ALCS Game 7
21 Oct, 2025When Bo Barger, outfielder for Toronto Blue Jays stepped up in the bottom of the second inning, the Blue Jays shoved the Seattle Mariners into a 6‑2 defeat that tied the 2025 American League Championship Series at three games apiece. The drama unfolded on Game 6 of the 2025 ALCSRogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the win set the stage for a winner‑take‑all showdown on Monday night.
How the game unfolded
The scoring opened in the bottom of the second when Barger singled to shallow right off Mariners starter Logan Gilbert, driving in center fielder Daulton Varsho for a 1‑0 lead. A few pitches later, shortstop Isiah Kiner‑Falefa reached on an infield single, allowing second baseman Ernie Clement to race home and push the margin to 2‑0.
The Blue Jays loaded the bases with one out later in that inning, but the Mariners' bullpen held the line. In the third, Barger delivered the knockout blow: a 403‑foot blast to right‑center that cleared Clement’s earlier walk, snapping the score to 4‑0.
Designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a solo 384‑foot homer in the fifth, making it 5‑0. The Mariners finally cracked the shutout in the top of the sixth when DH Josh Naylor launched a 389‑foot solo shot off Blue Jays reliever Yesavage – his third ALCS homer of the series. A short‑stop double by Eugenio Suárez brought in Randy Arozarena, narrowing the gap to 5‑2.
Blue Jays closer Matt Brash sealed the night. A throwing error by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh allowed Guerrero Jr. to score, and a subsequent wild pitch added an insurance run. The final line: 6‑2, Blue Jays.
Key performances and stats
- Bo Barger – 2 hits (single, 403‑ft homer), 3 RBIs.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1‑for‑4, solo homer, 1 run.
- Logan Gilbert – 4.1 innings, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts.
- Josh Naylor – 1‑for‑3, solo homer (third of the ALCS).
- Eugenio Suárez – 1‑for‑4, 1 RBI, responsible for two defensive miscues.
The Mariners managed just five hits and left six runners on base. Their RISP (runners in scoring position) line was a disappointing 0‑for‑3, with shortstop J.P. Crawford, catcher Cal Raleigh and outfielder Darius Canzone each striking out or putting the ball in play without producing a run.
Mariners' defensive woes
Three errors doomed Seattle’s night. Suárez bobbled two routine grounders, Julio Rodríguez (center fielder) mis‑played a fly ball, and Raleigh’s errant throw in the seventh directly produced the unearned run that tipped the score. Each of those miscues fed the narrative that the Mariners, once up 3‑1 in the series, were suddenly scrambling to stay afloat.
What Game 7 could mean
If the Blue Jays clinch Monday, they’ll become the first team since 1993 to win the American League pennant after trailing 3‑1. A victory would also extend Toronto’s championship drought to a staggering 32 years – the longest active drought in the MLB. Conversely, a Mariners win would hand Seattle its first World Series appearance in franchise history, a milestone that has eluded the club since its inception in 1977.
The winner will travel to face the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS on October 16, 2025. The Dodgers, boasting a 101‑61 regular‑season record, are already being tipped as the heavy favorites, but the Blue Jays have proven they can swing momentum with a single swing – literally.
Historical backdrop
The 2025 ALCS has already written itself into the annals of baseball folklore. The Mariners entered the series riding a 95‑67 season, having never reached a World Series. The Blue Jays, the 2023 AL East champions, posted a 98‑64 record and have not won a pennant since 1993, when they fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in a dramatic seven‑game series.
Game 6 marked the third time in MLB history that a team down 3‑1 forced a Game 7 by winning three straight. The most recent precedent came in 2020, when the Tampa Bay Rays rallied past the Houston Astros. Toronto now stands on the precipice of joining that exclusive club.
Key facts at a glance
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Final score: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2
- Series tied: 3‑3
- Game 7 scheduled: October 20, 2025, same venue
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Blue Jays' comeback mean for their franchise?
Overcoming a 3‑1 deficit revives a 32‑year championship drought and could cement the 2025 squad as one of Toronto’s all‑time greats. A win would also boost the marketability of stars like Barger and Guerrero Jr., likely spurring ticket sales and merchandise for years to come.
How significant is Josh Naylor’s third ALCS home run?
Naylor’s third series homer ties the ALCS record for most homers by a single player in a single postseason. It underscored Seattle’s lingering power despite the overall offensive slump, and it gave the Mariners a brief glimmer of hope before the bullpen collapse.
Why did the Mariners commit so many errors?
Pressure can warp even seasoned veterans. Suárez’s two misplays reflected fatigue after pitching 110 innings in the regular season, while Raleigh’s errant throw was a rare lapse for a catcher who had thrown out 98% of base stealers this year. The cumulative stress of a comeback chase likely contributed.
Who are the likely starting pitchers for Game 7?
Analysts predict the Blue Jays will hand the ball to ace Kevin Gausman, who posted a 2.78 ERA in the regular season. Seattle is expected to start right‑hander Logan Gilbert again, hoping he can rebound from his Game 6 outing.
What will the winner face in the World Series?
The victorious club will travel west to confront the Los Angeles Dodgers, who dispatched the Milwaukee Brewers in a four‑game sweep of the NLCS. The Dodgers boast a deep rotation and a lineup featuring Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, setting up a classic East‑vs‑West showdown.