Raleigh's Heroics Spark Comeback
In a stunning eighth-inning rally, the Seattle Mariners battled back from a late deficit to even the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Catcher Cal Raleigh's game-tying solo home run off Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman sparked the Mariners' comeback, which culminated in a grand slam by rookie Trey Yesavage to give Seattle a 6-2 victory in Game 5.
Pitching Decisions Prove Costly for Blue Jays
The Blue Jays' bullpen management came under scrutiny after the collapse. Manager John Schneider's decision to bring in left-hander Brendon Little to face the switch-hitting Raleigh backfired, as the Mariners catcher took him deep to tie the game. Rookie Trey Yesavage, making his first career postseason start, then delivered the knockout blow against Jeff Hoffman.
Yesavage Steps Up for Mariners
With the Mariners' pitching staff depleted, 23-year-old Trey Yesavage was called upon to start Game 6. Despite struggling in his previous outing, the young right-hander rose to the occasion, limiting the damage against a potent Blue Jays lineup. Yesavage's gutsy performance kept the Mariners in the game, setting the stage for their dramatic eighth-inning comeback.
TL;DR
- Cal Raleigh's game-tying homer sparked a late Mariners rally in Game 5 of the ALCS
- The Blue Jays' bullpen management decisions proved costly as the Mariners stormed back
- Rookie Trey Yesavage delivered a strong start in Game 6 to keep the Mariners' season alive