Canada's Blue Jays Claim World Series Showdown Versus defending champion Dodgers
George Springer was instrumental for the Houston Astros claiming the championship in the 2017 season.
The Toronto Blue Jays advanced to their first World Series after the 1993 season by beating the Seattle Mariners in the decisive seventh game of the American League Championship Series.
Down three runs to one, outfielder George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh frame, leading the sole Canadian team in MLB to a four games to three win in the series. Awaiting them are the defending champions, who are the current crown, in the upcoming Fall Classic.
"I'm just so happy for this squad, our city, our country," commented Springer, a key player of the Houston Astros team that won the 2017 title. "What an unbelievable moment."
Springer has now slugged 23 playoff homers, placing him third on the list trailing only Manny Ramirez (29) and Altuve (twenty-seven).
"I can't think of another person on planet Earth that I'd prefer in that spot other than George Springer with his post-season brilliance," noted Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, despite leading the early in the series, are still the only MLB franchise never to appear in a championship series.
Manager Dan Wilson commented "without a doubt that it's painful" after his team's loss at Toronto's Rogers Centre, but commended their work throughout the year.
"They're an exceptional squad. It's a shame that we ended up on the unsuccessful side of this game," he remarked.
The Blue Jays won the title on both previous visits in 1992 and 1993, and will welcome the Dodgers in the first game on the upcoming Friday.
