Toronto Blue Jays Secure World Series Matchup With defending champion Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Astros securing the World Series in the 2017 season.
The Toronto Blue Jays reached their initial championship series since 1993 by beating the Seattle Mariners in the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS.
Trailing 3-1, outfielder George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning, leading the sole Canadian team in the majors to a four games to three triumph in the seven-game series. Awaiting them are the Dodgers, holders of the reigning title, in the upcoming championship.
"I'm just so happy for this squad, our city, our country," said Springer, an integral part of the Houston Astros team that secured the 2017 title. "What an incredible feeling."
Springer has now hit 23 playoff homers, making him third on the list after Manny Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (27).
"It's hard to imagine another player anywhere that I'd choose in that spot besides him with his playoff prowess," noted manager John Schneider.
Seattle, who had led the series two games to none and three games to two, are still the only MLB franchise never to appear in a championship series.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented "without a doubt that it's going to sting" after his side's defeat at their home ballpark, but praised their efforts throughout the year.
"It's a special team. Sadly that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one," he remarked.
Toronto won the World Series on each of their earlier trips in 1992 and 1993, and will welcome the Dodgers in the first game on the upcoming Friday.
