Canada's Blue Jays Earn Fall Classic Matchup Versus the Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Astros winning the World Series in 2017.
Toronto's Blue Jays reached their initial Fall Classic since 1993 by beating the Mariners in the decisive game seven of the ALCS.
Behind 3-1, outfielder George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning, guiding the only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball to a four games to three victory in the best-of-seven series. Next up are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are the defending champions, in the forthcoming championship.
"I'm thrilled for our team, the city, our country," said Springer, an integral part of the Houston Astros team that claimed the 2017 title. "What an amazing experience."
Springer has now hit twenty-three October home runs, making him third in history behind Manny Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (twenty-seven).
"I can't think of anyone else in the world that I'd choose in that moment other than George Springer with his post-season brilliance," noted Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, after leading the early in the series, remain the one club never to appear in a Fall Classic.
Manager Dan Wilson commented "there's no question that it's painful" after his side's defeat at Toronto's Rogers Centre, but praised their performance throughout the year.
"They're an exceptional squad. Unfortunately that we ended up on the losing end of the series," he added.
Toronto's team won the World Series on their two prior appearances in 1992 and 1993, and will host the Dodgers in game one on the upcoming Friday.
