...
By Gabe Smallson
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners on Monday night to decide who will win the American League pennant with two of the greatest words in sports: Game 7. The winner will face the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
More news: Blue Jays, Mariners Reveal Pitching Plans for Win-Or-Go-Home ALCS Game 7
After the Mariners took a convincing 2-0 lead, winning both games in Toronto, the Blue Jays stormed back and took two of their own in Seattle. With the series tied 2-2, the Mariners took Game 5 by a score of 6-2 — but as the series came back to Canada on Sunday night, the Blue Jays also won, 6-2, to force the series-clinching game.
Read More on MLB
...
The Blue Jays were tied for the third-best record in baseball this year at 94 wins, and the 90-win Mariners had the sixth-best.
The Mariners got to where they are largely due to the powers of All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh. As a switch-hitting backstop, Raleigh unleashed an MLB-leading 60 home runs. He also led the American League in RBIs with 125 as he finished the regular season with a .948 OPS and a bWAR of 7.3. All-Star centerfielder Julio Rodriguez trailed him with 95 RBIs and a 6.8 bWAR.
More news: Brewers to Consider Trading $8 Million All-Star After NLCS Sweep: Report
The Blue Jays were led by the power bats of designated hitter George Springer (32 home runs, .959 OPS, and a bWAR of 4.8) and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., with his 23 long balls, 84 RBIs, and 4.5 WAR. Shortstop Bo Bichette led the team in RBIs (94), hits (181), and batting average (.311) this season.
So far this postseason, Guerrero is leading all active players this postseason with six home runs, 12 RBIs, 18 hits and an impressive 1.532 OPS. Right behind him for the most total hits this October is infielder Ernie Clement, who had the third-highest bWAR for Toronto this season (4.3).
Which American League powerhouse will punch a ticket to the World Series? The staff at Newsweek Sports has some insight.
Nelson Espinal: Blue Jays, 5-2
Ricardo Sandoval: Mariners, 6-4
Gabe Smallson: Blue Jays, 5-4
Noah Camras: Mariners, 3-2
Valentina Martinez: Mariners, 4-3
Aaron Coloma: Mariners, 4-2
More news: Shohei Ohtani Game Called Greatest Ever Without Hesitation by Dodgers Exec
For all the latest MLB news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines