UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for a critical showdown as George Kirby is set to take the mound against Shane Bieber of the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on October 18, 2023, at 4:07 PM PT. This pivotal game shifts to Seattle, where the stakes are higher than ever.
Kirby, who shined in the previous round, recorded six strikeouts while allowing just one run in his last outing against the Tigers. His performance included a solid start in Game 5 of the division series, where he limited Detroit to three hits over five innings. With a regular-season record of 10-8 and a 4.21 ERA across 23 starts, Kirby is poised to deliver a strong performance as the Mariners aim to continue their playoff momentum.
Meanwhile, Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, faces a crucial moment for the Blue Jays. He struggled in his last appearance against the Yankees, surrendering three runs in just 2.2 innings during a 9-6 loss in their division series. After joining Toronto mid-season post-elbow surgery, he maintained a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA, but did not pitch against the Mariners this season.
The urgency of this matchup is palpable, as both teams vie for a crucial win to gain momentum in the best-of-seven series. Mariners manager Dan Wilson has indicated that Luis Castillo is expected to start Game 4 on Thursday, while Bryan Woo is a potential option for Game 5, pending his recovery from pectoral inflammation. Woo, who had an impressive regular season with a 15-7 record and 2.94 ERA, could be a game-changer if his condition allows.
As the Mariners prepare for this high-stakes game, fans are eagerly anticipating how Kirby will perform against a formidable Blue Jays lineup. The outcome of this game could significantly influence the trajectory of the series and each team’s World Series aspirations.
Stay tuned for live updates and scores as the Mariners host the Blue Jays in this crucial Game 3 of the ALCS. The intensity is mounting, and every pitch counts!
