Toronto Blue Jays Claim World Series Matchup Versus Los Angeles Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Houston Astros securing the World Series in 2017.
The Toronto Blue Jays earned a spot in their first championship series after 1993 by defeating the Seattle Mariners in the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS.
Behind 3-1, Springer smashed a three-run homer in the seventh frame, leading the Toronto squad in Major League Baseball to a 4-3 triumph in the series. Awaiting them are the Dodgers, holders of the current crown, in the forthcoming Fall Classic.
"It's incredible for this squad, our city, our country," said Springer, an integral part of the Houston Astros team that won the 2017 World Series. "What an amazing experience."
The veteran has now hit 23 total post-season home runs, placing him third all-time trailing only Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (twenty-seven).
"There's probably not another person on planet Earth that I'd choose in that situation other than him with his October magic," remarked Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
Seattle, after leading the series two games to none and three games to two, remain the sole team never to appear in a championship series.
Manager Dan Wilson commented "without a doubt that it's painful" after his team's loss at Rogers Centre, but praised their work in the campaign.
"They're an exceptional squad. It's a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this game," he added.
Toronto's team claimed the title on their two prior appearances in 1992 and 1993, and are set to host the Dodgers in the opener on this Friday.