Mariners vs. Blue Jays: Game 7 Decides 2025 ALCS

When Seattle Mariners head to Rogers Centre for a winner‑take‑all Game 7 on Monday, October 20, 2025, the whole baseball world holds its breath. The Toronto Blue Jays sit just one swing away from a World Series berth after a 6‑2 win in Game 6 forced the decisive showdown. Listed at 8:08 p.m. Eastern, the clash will finally settle a series that tipped back and forth for seven grueling days. Fans in the 44,000‑strong arena, plus millions watching at home, will soon find out which club writes the next chapter in AL history.

Series Overview and Road to Game 7

The 2025 American League Championship Series began with the Blue Jays taking a 1‑0 lead in Seattle, but the Mariners rallied to force a tie at 2‑2. A pivotal 8‑2 victory in Game 4, highlighted by 41‑year‑old ace Max Scherzer, gave Toronto a 3‑2 edge heading back to Canada. Seattle clawed back in Game 5, and a gritty 6‑2 triumph in Game 6—thanks in part to defensive miscues by the Mariners—set the stage for a final showdown.

Statistically, the series has been a pitcher’s duel. The Blue Jays’ staff posted a collective ERA of 3.21, while Seattle’s rotation posted a 3.45 mark. Both teams have produced over 30 runs each, illustrating why the margin has been razor‑thin. The crowds have mirrored that intensity: Game 6 alone saw roughly 44,000 fans packed into Rogers Centre, chanting “Mariners! Mariners!” and “Blue Jays! Blue Jays!” in equal measure.

The Stakes for Seattle

For the Mariners, Game 7 is historic. In their 49‑year existence, they have never played a Game 7 in the postseason. Yet a flawless 3‑0 record in previous winner‑take‑all games—ALDS victories in 1995, 2001, and a marathon 15‑inning win in 2025—feeds a quiet confidence.

Center‑fielder Julio César Rodríguez, 24, said after Game 6, “I think it’s a beautiful thing. The baseball gods wanted us to be here, and I feel like everybody’s really excited for tomorrow.” His teammate, catcher Calvin Michael Raleigh, echoed the sentiment: “It’s a great opportunity. We’ve been here before, in the round before. So we’ll try to take that to our advantage and come out ready to go.” Both players acknowledge the pressure. Rodríguez added, “There is always pressure when you’re doing great things… you have to learn how to manage it.” Their words reveal a team that knows the rarity of the moment but refuses to let nerves dictate performance.

Seattle’s manager, Scott Servais, has emphasized a balanced attack. “We’ve got solid bullpen depth and a lineup that can poke holes in any rotation,” he told reporters on Sunday. The Mariners will likely lean on left‑handed reliever Chris Flexen in the late innings, a move designed to neutralize Toronto’s power left‑handed batters.

Toronto’s Path and Key Performances

The Blue Jays entered Game 7 with momentum from a dominant 6‑2 victory in Game 6, a game where early runs were born from Mariners’ defensive errors. Their offense, led by shortstop Bo Bichette and slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has lit up the scoreboard throughout the series, averaging 5.2 runs per game.

Max Scherzer’s veteran poise remains a cornerstone. Though he didn’t start Game 6, his presence in the dugout has been a calming influence. “He’s a teacher on and off the mound,” noted third‑base coach George Springer. If the Blue Jays need a starter for Game 7, the odds point to ace Kevin Gausman, who posted a 0.89 ERA in his two ALCS outings.

Toronto’s bench depth could be a wildcard. Outfielder Manuel Carmona, who delivered a key two‑run double in Game 5, is likely to see a pinch‑hit role. Additionally, the team’s bullpen, anchored by closer Jesse Barfield Jr., has recorded 12 saves in the postseason, suggesting they can keep the game within reach even if the Mariners start strong.

What Experts Say About the Decider

Baseball analysts at ESPN project a tight, low‑scoring affair. “Both teams have elite pitching; I expect a 2‑1 or 3‑2 final,” said analyst Tom Verducci. Meanwhile, former MLB star Mike Trout argued the game could hinge on “who can capitalize on the smallest mistake.” The consensus is clear: defensive execution will be as crucial as offensive firepower.

Stat geeks point to a key metric: win probability added (WPA) in high‑leverage situations. Seattle’s relievers have a WPA of +0.12 in innings 7‑9, while Toronto’s bullpen sits at +0.08, a slight edge for the Mariners. Yet Toronto’s lineup boasts a higher batting average with runners in scoring position (0.327 vs. 0.298), indicating they might eke out runs when it matters most.

Looking Ahead: World Series Implications

The victor of Game 7 will face the National League champion in a World Series slated to begin on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:03 p.m. Eastern. If Seattle pulls the upset, the franchise will break its World Series drought in style, becoming just the third team in MLB history to reach the Fall Classic in its first appearance. For Toronto, a win would solidify their resurgence under owner Rex Lipton, adding a third pennant in the last decade.

Regardless of the outcome, the game will likely be remembered for its drama. As the Statesman Journal previewed, “How to watch the Mariners play the Blue Jays in ALCS Game 7 for the World Series” captures the nation’s appetite for this high‑stakes showdown. Whether the Mariners finally break through or the Blue Jays add another feather to their cap, baseball fans can expect an unforgettable night at Rogers Centre.

• Game 7 start time: 8:08 p.m. ET, October 20, 2025
• Location: ALCS Game 7Rogers Centre
• Series record: Blue Jays lead 3‑2 before Game 7
• Key players: Julio César Rodríguez, Calvin Michael Raleigh, Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman
• Potential World Series opponent: winner of the 2025 NLCS