In a thrilling Game 3, the Toronto Blue Jays unleashed their offensive might, overcoming early setbacks to dominate the Seattle Mariners with a final score of 13-4. This victory came after two disappointing losses in their own backyard, igniting hope for a comeback in the American League Division Series.
Toronto’s lineup dazzled fans as George Springer, Andrés Giménez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger each launched home runs, showcasing the team’s incredible power. The Blue Jays turned a two-run deficit upside down by scoring five runs in the third inning, shifting the momentum completely in their favor. With this win, the series now stands at 2-1, creating suspense for the upcoming matches. The Blue Jays recorded a striking 18 hits, leaving Seattle's starter George Kirby in trouble, as he was overwhelmed by eight runs over just four innings of play. Notably, Guerrero, who had struggled earlier in the series without a hit, found his rhythm and completed the game with four hits, coming tantalizingly close to hitting for the cycle as he finished with a triple missing.
A Strong Comeback from the Pitching Staff
On the mound, Shane Bieber, making his presence felt after being acquired at the trade deadline, bounced back from an early challenge when Julio Rodríguez hit a two-run homer in the first inning. He settled down remarkably, going on to pitch six solid innings and demonstrating a versatile mix of pitches that successfully kept the Mariners guessing. Bieber made history as he became the first Toronto starter this postseason to pitch six innings, showing why the Blue Jays sought him out.
Contact is King—and So is Power
While the Blue Jays are known for their exceptional contact hitting—ranking at the top of Major League Baseball in terms of batting average and contact rate—it’s clear they also need the long ball to make their offense truly effective. They had a remarkable record of 73 wins against just 30 losses when hitting at least one home run this season. In stark contrast, their record plummeted to 21 wins and 38 losses when they went deep into games without homering. This was evident in their previous two contests against the Mariners during this series, where significant swings were few and far between. Prior to Game 3, manager John Schneider urged his players to aim for higher-impact hits rather than merely landing singles. Early in this latest game, Toronto answered that call loud and clear.
The pivotal moment came when Giménez launched a two-run home run to tie the game in the third inning, quickly followed by Springer celebrating his own homer. By the fifth inning, Guerrero added a powerful 406-foot blast that showcased his talent and helped insert a commanding lead for the Blue Jays.
Guerrero’s Critical Role
Guerrero’s performance was especially satisfying for the team. After a phenomenal showing against the New York Yankees—where he hit over .500 with nine RBIs over four games—his game had faltered early this series with no hits in the first two games. Despite not striking out and hitting several balls well, he was missing the mark when it came to getting on base.
However, in Game 3, he turned the tide. His significant contributions included an intentional walk and an additional double in the eighth inning, proving crucial in solidifying Toronto’s offensive depth. With seven different players driving in runs in the first six innings, it was evident that the Blue Jays thrive when Guerrero is red-hot at the plate. For Toronto to maintain their momentum in the series, his continued success is paramount.
Kirby Faces a Tough Loss
On the other side, Mariners pitcher George Kirby faced an unfortunate fate. He not only allowed eight earned runs in Game 3—tying his career high—but he matched a record in postseason history that reflects poorly on any pitcher. Kirby is now one of only 17 pitchers ever to give up eight earned runs in a single postseason game, a list that includes legendary names from baseball history.
Struggling against the Blue Jays, Kirby saw nine out of 15 hitters on base following the second inning, including hard-hit homers from his opponents. Known for his precision as a control pitcher, Kirby struggled to place his pitches effectively against this aggressive lineup, leading to several missed opportunities as Toronto capitalized on his mistakes.
Bieber Proves His Worth
Bieber proved invaluable for the Blue Jays, demonstrating resilience and skill as he achieved a quality start, showing why he was such an important addition to the team shortly before the postseason began. His mastery of the game allowed him to disallow only two runs across six innings, and his striking out of eight batters revealed his capacity to step up when his team needed it most.
If Toronto manages to extend the series to the maximum of seven games, it’s likely that Bieber will be called upon again to deliver a powerful performance.
Mariners’ Approach: High Strikes, High Risks
Despite being 5-3 in the postseason, the Mariners have a significant concern regarding their rate of strikeouts. Their lineup has averaged nearly 12 strikeouts per game in October, particularly against top-tier teams like Detroit and Toronto.
While they’re known for powerful swings that often lead to home runs—their strength given the ballpark’s unique characteristics—this approach is a double-edged sword. It’s a valid strategy, especially considering how well-hit balls can still find the seats amidst the thick air at T-Mobile Park. However, the most efficient method to rack up runs remains homers, as the Mariners’ four runs on Wednesday all came from long balls. This trend isn't unexpected, given that a substantial portion of their playoff runs have also stemmed from home runs—20 out of 36 total runs scored this postseason.
As the series continues, it will be captivating to see how both teams adjust their approaches, maintain their strengths, or perhaps confront their weaknesses. Are the Blue Jays set to keep this wave of momentum going? And can the Mariners refine their strikeout issues while continuing to rely on their home run-hitting prowess? Your thoughts?
