As the Seattle Mariners return to their home turf with only two wins standing between them and franchise history, a pressing question looms large: Is this truly how you want to exit the playoffs? While it’s understandable to lose a couple of games, the Mariners' recent performances have left fans feeling as lifeless as a foul pole. After taking a commanding two-games-to-none lead over the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the team's mantra of “job’s not finished” now feels hollow. Since arriving back in Seattle, they have played with a lack of urgency, showing no signs of the fight needed to secure their first trip to the World Series.
Following Wednesday’s disappointing 13-4 loss to Toronto, the prevailing sentiment was that fans should remain calm; after all, the Mariners held a 2-1 lead in the series. However, Thursday’s 8-2 defeat raised legitimate concerns. The series is now tied at 2-2, and the Blue Jays have regained home-field advantage. The spirited Mariners that once captivated Seattle seem to have vanished since returning home, leaving fans wondering if they can turn things around.
Seattle couldn’t have asked for a more favorable matchup on Thursday, facing Max Scherzer on the mound for the Blue Jays. Scherzer had not pitched since September 24 and boasted a career-worst 5.19 ERA for the season. In contrast, the Mariners started Luis Castillo, who had been flawless in his prior postseason outings, not allowing a run in six innings and holding a 3.54 ERA in 2025. Initially, it seemed the Mariners might chase Scherzer early, drawing two walks in the first inning before an inning-ending double play by Jorge Polanco halted their momentum. A solo home run from Josh Naylor in the second inning briefly gave Seattle a 1-0 lead, igniting a roar from the 46,981 fans at T-Mobile Park.
However, the Blue Jays quickly silenced the enthusiastic crowd. Shortstop Andrés Giménez hit a two-run homer off Castillo in the top of the third, providing Toronto with a 2-1 lead. Giménez, who had only seven home runs during the regular season, has now homered in back-to-back games, proving crucial in this series. Following his home run, a series of singles and a walk prompted Mariners manager Dan Wilson to pull Castillo after just 48 pitches. The Blue Jays capitalized on the Mariners' struggles, extending their lead to 3-1 after a walk from reliever Gabe Speier and a double from George Springer compounded Seattle's woes.
Seattle appeared outclassed by a powerful Blue Jays offense but also suffered from unforced errors and missed opportunities. Baserunning blunders, including Leo Rivas getting picked off at first and Naylor thrown out at third base, prevented the Mariners from staging a comeback. “The little things — that is what happens this time of year, and they can make a big difference,” Wilson noted, emphasizing the need for focus and execution during crucial moments.
Just six nights earlier, the Mariners triumphed over the Tigers in a nail-biting 15-inning Game 5, defying expectations. Many thought their pitching staff was too depleted to compete effectively against the Blue Jays, yet they won Game 1 3-1 and took Game 2 10-3. Returning home with the best chance in franchise history to advance to the World Series, the players now find themselves grappling with the weight of the moment.
Seattle is the only team yet to reach the World Series, a fact that undoubtedly looms over the players. While they may deny feeling the pressure, it’s likely contributing to their recent performances that have been uncharacteristic of the team that captured the city's heart. With one more home game on Friday and potential games in Toronto, Cal Raleigh, the Mariners' catcher, reminds the team and fans that it’s now a best-of-three series. The Mariners can still seize their moment and make history, but they must shake off their current slump and refocus their efforts.
In sum, the Seattle Mariners are at a critical juncture in the ALCS. The need for urgency and resilience has never been greater as they seek to break the franchise’s playoff drought. With their fans rallying behind them, the Mariners must awaken from their slumber and reclaim their competitive edge if they wish to turn their dreams of a World Series appearance into reality.
