UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays made a stunning comeback in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, crushing the Seattle Mariners 13-4 at T-Mobile Park on September 27, 2023. After dropping the first two games, the Blue Jays unleashed their offense, hitting a remarkable five home runs and driving in 13 runs, avoiding elimination in a pivotal playoff matchup.
This explosive performance follows a disappointing start to the series, where the Blue Jays managed just eight hits in the first two games. Recognizing the urgency of their situation, hitting coach Dave Popkins inspired the team by sharing clips from the 1996 World Series, reminding them that the series was far from over.
In a dazzling display of power, the Blue Jays struck early and often against Mariners pitcher George Kirby. In a single inning, they recorded four hits with exit velocities surpassing 103 mph. The offensive onslaught began with a two-run homer by Andres Gimenez in the third inning and culminated with a 431-foot blast from George Springer in the fourth.
The Blue Jays’ dominance was evident, as they generated 13 balls in play at 100 mph or higher, with an astonishing 11 of those resulting in hits. Springer’s home run marked his 22nd career postseason home run, making him one of only six players in history to reach 40 extra-base hits in the postseason.
The team’s aggressive approach at the plate was evident, as they capitalized on Kirby’s fastball early in counts. All eight hits off him came with a count of 1-1 or earlier. This decisive hitting strategy proved effective, as the Blue Jays recorded a total of 18 hits throughout the game, with six players notching multiple hits and at least one RBI.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Shane Bieber settled into a groove after an early two-run homer by Julio Rodriguez. Bieber, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, showcased his ability by mixing pitches effectively, throwing only 20 fastballs out of his 84 total pitches. His performance included 17 swings and misses, a striking improvement from his previous outings.
The Mariners, who had hoped to secure their first World Series trip in franchise history, now face the daunting task of winning the next two games to avoid a return to Toronto, where the Blue Jays boasted the best home record in the American League during the regular season.
This Game 3 victory not only reinvigorated the Blue Jays’ postseason hopes but also set the stage for a thrilling continuation of the series. Fans are eagerly anticipating Game 4, as the Blue Jays look to capitalize on their momentum and push for a series turnaround.
Stay tuned for more updates as the series unfolds. The stakes have never been higher!
