Canada's Blue Jays Secure Fall Classic Showdown With defending champion Dodgers
George Springer was instrumental for the Houston Astros claiming the championship in 2017.
The Toronto Blue Jays advanced to their first Fall Classic after the 1993 season by overcoming the Seattle Mariners in the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS.
Behind three runs to one, the star outfielder smashed a three-run home run in the seventh frame, leading the sole Canadian team in Major League Baseball to a 4-3 triumph in the best-of-seven series. Next up are the Dodgers, holders of the reigning title, in the forthcoming championship.
"I'm thrilled for everyone here, Toronto, the nation," commented Springer, an integral part of the Houston Astros team that claimed the 2017 title. "This is such an amazing experience."
Springer has now slugged 23 total October home runs, placing him third on the list trailing only Manny Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Jose Altuve (twenty-seven).
"There's probably not another person on planet Earth that I want up in that moment other than Springer with his playoff prowess," remarked Schneider.
Seattle, after leading the early in the series, are still the sole team never to appear in a championship series.
Manager Dan Wilson said "certainly that it's painful" in the wake of his club's elimination at Rogers Centre, but praised their performance this season.
"It's a special team. Sadly that we finished on the unsuccessful side of the series," he continued.
Toronto's team won the title on each of their earlier trips in the early 90s, and will host the Dodgers in the opener on Friday.
