Mariners vs. Blue Jays Game 7: Pitching Showdown Extends Beyond Starters

As the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays gear up for a decisive Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, both teams are making their final preparations in pursuit of a long-awaited World Series appearance. Right-hander George Kirby will take the mound for the Mariners, eyes set on redemption following a challenging outing in Game 3. Opposing him is the Blue Jays’ Shane Bieber, a seasoned two-time All-Star.

Game 7 Starters: A Pitching Showdown

Both managers, Seattle’s Dan Wilson and Toronto’s John Schneider, confirmed their starters on the heels of Game 6, where the Blue Jays achieved a vital 6-2 victory to stave off elimination.

• George Kirby: This will be Kirby’s third postseason elimination game. He aims to bounce back after allowing eight runs in his last outing against Toronto.
• Shane Bieber: Making his sixth career playoff start, Bieber seeks to lead his team to victory, having previously outperformed Kirby in Game 3.

Historical Context and Previous Matchups

The upcoming game will replicate the pitching matchup from Game 3, where Kirby struggled significantly. In that game, he surrendered eight runs and faced a Blue Jays lineup that showcased their power. Notably, he conceded three home runs to prominent hitters, including Andrés Giménez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bieber, on the other hand, excelled in the same game, limiting the Mariners to two runs and recording eight strikeouts over six innings.

Mariners’ Bullpen Strategy

As both teams tackle this critical game, the Mariners will have reinforcements ready in the bullpen. Key options include:

• Luis Castillo: Allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings in Game 4.
• Bryce Miller: Gave up one run over four-plus innings in Game 5.
• Bryan Woo: Returned from injury, pitched effectively in relief during Game 5.

Blue Jays’ Relief Options

The Blue Jays also possess strong bullpen support. Max Scherzer and Kevin Gausman are available, both having put in strong performances in previous games, giving the Blue Jays flexibility to bring in fresh arms when needed.

Looking Ahead to Game 7

With the stakes higher than ever, Game 7 is set to commence at 5:08 p.m. on Monday at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Fans can tune in via Seattle Sports for radio coverage, while FOX and FS1 will handle the television broadcast.

This pivotal matchup encapsulates the intensity of playoff baseball, featuring two teams vying for a shot at their World Series dreams. With pitching taking centerstage, baseball fans can expect an exhilarating showdown as both squads look to claim victory in Game 7.