Raleigh and Suárez Provide Late-Inning Heroics
The Seattle Mariners are one win away from reaching their first-ever World Series after a dramatic 10-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.
The game was tied 2-2 heading into the eighth inning when Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh launched a game-tying solo home run to lead off the frame. Just moments later, third baseman Eugenio Suárez delivered the decisive blow, crushing a grand slam to put Seattle ahead for good.
"I don't want these guys to crawl into a hole; that's not who we are," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. "We'll get after it on Sunday. We'll be ready to play. I wouldn't have it any other way with this group."
Standout Performances
Suárez finished the game with five RBIs, also hitting a solo homer earlier in the contest to open the scoring. Rookie right-hander Bryan Woo made his long-awaited playoff debut for the Mariners, allowing two runs over two innings in a spot start.
On the Toronto side, ace Kevin Gausman pitched well, striking out eight over 6 2/3 innings. But the Blue Jays' bullpen was unable to hold the lead late, leading to the crushing defeat.
TL;DR
- Mariners one win away from first World Series appearance after 10-3 Game 5 win
- Cal Raleigh and Eugenio Suárez provided late-inning heroics with key home runs
- Suárez finished with 5 RBIs, Woo made his playoff debut for Seattle
- Blue Jays' bullpen couldn't hold a late lead, putting them on the brink of elimination