Canada's Blue Jays Earn Fall Classic Showdown Versus the Dodgers
George Springer was instrumental for the Astros claiming the World Series in 2017.
Canada's MLB team reached their maiden championship series following 1993 by defeating the Mariners in the seventh Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
Trailing by two runs, Springer smashed a three-run blast in the seventh inning, leading the sole Canadian team in Major League Baseball to a 4-3 series triumph in the best-of-seven series. Next up are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are the current crown, in the anticipated World Series.
"It's incredible for our team, the city, our country," said Springer, an integral part of the Astros team that claimed the 2017 championship. "What an unbelievable moment."
Springer has now hit twenty-three post-season home runs, ranking him third on the list after Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (27).
"I can't think of anyone else in the world that I'd prefer in that spot other than Springer with his post-season brilliance," noted manager John Schneider.
Seattle's team, despite leading the series 2-0 and 3-2, remain the one club that has never reached in a Fall Classic.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented "there's no question that it's painful" after his club's elimination at their home ballpark, but praised their work throughout the year.
"This is a unique group. Sadly that we finished on the losing end of the series," he added.
Toronto claimed the championship on both previous visits in 1992 and '93, and will welcome the Los Angeles in the opener on the upcoming Friday.
