Suárez Slam Lifts Mariners to Brink of World Series
The Seattle Mariners are one win away from their first-ever trip to the World Series after a dramatic 8th inning comeback in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Trailing 5-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th, the Mariners rallied against the Blue Jays' bullpen, capped by a towering grand slam from Eugenio Suárez that put Seattle ahead for good.
Key Moments
The game-changing moment came with two outs in the 8th inning. The Mariners had already scored a run to make it 5-3 when Suárez stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. On a 2-1 pitch, the Mariners' third baseman launched a majestic drive over the right field wall, giving Seattle an 8-5 lead they would not relinquish.
Earlier, Suárez had given the Mariners an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run off Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman in the 2nd inning. However, the Blue Jays rallied to take a 5-2 advantage, setting the stage for the late-inning heroics.
Player Impact
Suárez was the clear hero of the night, driving in 5 of the Mariners' 10 runs. His grand slam capped a remarkable comeback and put Seattle on the brink of their first World Series appearance.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh also played a crucial role, hitting a solo home run in the 8th inning to start the rally. Reliever Gabe Speier picked up the win with a perfect 8th inning.
On the Blue Jays side, Gausman pitched well, striking out 9 over 6 innings. But the Toronto bullpen was unable to hold the lead, spoiling a strong outing from the veteran right-hander.
TL;DR
- Eugenio Suárez hit a go-ahead grand slam in the 8th inning to lift the Mariners to a 10-5 win over the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the ALCS
- The win puts Seattle one victory away from their first-ever World Series berth
- Suárez drove in 5 runs on the night, also homering earlier in the game
- Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit a solo shot to start the 8th inning rally
- Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman pitched well but the Toronto bullpen couldn't hold the lead