Mariners Take Lead in ALCS with Grand Slam Victory
SEATTLE — Eugenio Suarez propelled the Seattle Mariners to a 6-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night, hitting a pivotal grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning. This victory gives the Mariners a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series.
Earlier in the game, Suarez also launched a home run in the second inning, which marked the beginning of Seattle’s scoring. Notably, the Mariners became the first home team to clinch a series and are tantalizingly close to a World Series appearance—a dream for the franchise that began in 1977.
Looking ahead, Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday night in Toronto.
“The fans have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and we are determined to fight for the World Series,” Suarez remarked.
Cal Lowry, a switch-hitting catcher who led the majors with 60 home runs this season, also played a crucial role. He hit a 2-0 changeup from Brendon Little in the eighth inning, bringing the score to 2-2 with his fourth postseason home run.
“It felt like Cal’s ball was in the air for about an eternity,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented, referencing the significant height of Lowry’s shot.
The ball ascended 155 feet above the field and took nearly seven seconds to clear the left-field wall at T-Mobile Park. It’s interesting, the roof being closed certainly contributed to the atmosphere.
After Lowry’s equalizer, the Mariners rallied. With Jorge Polanco and Josh Naylor drawing walks, and Randy Arozarena getting hit by a pitch, the stage was set for Suarez. He then lined a 2-2 fastball into the stands, marking his fourth hit of the postseason. “This is the biggest home run of my career,” he shared, reflecting on the impact of his performance.
Suarez, who had struggled recently with only six hits in his last 50 at-bats, had been a significant pickup from Arizona at the trade deadline. He finished the regular season with 49 home runs and has already hit three during the playoffs. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” he noted, appreciating the support of the fans.
In a turn of events, Seattle’s starter Bryce Miller was ejected in the fifth inning after allowing a hit to Addison Berger, and George Springer later hit an RBI double. Springer also faced ejection in the seventh when he was struck on the kneecap by a 95.6 mph sinker.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Springer suffered a right knee contusion but expressed relief that X-rays were negative. “It’s going to hurt to be out of the lineup on Sunday,” he said about his player’s status.
Returning from a pec strain, Brian Wu had pitched for the first time since September 19 but allowed the go-ahead hit to Ernie Clement in the sixth inning. Gabe Speier, on the other hand, delivered a solid performance, throwing nine perfect pitches in the eighth inning.
The Jays struggled to capitalize, going just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position, which ultimately proved costly.
In a notable defensive play, Lowry managed his second 2-3 double play in postseason history during the fourth inning, catching a ball hit by Clement, forcing out a runner, and successfully making the throw to first base. “That’s what he’s done all season, excelling on both sides of the game,” Wilson praised Lowry’s contributions.
