The Blue Jays Earn World Series Showdown Versus defending champion Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Astros securing the championship in 2017.
The Toronto Blue Jays earned a spot in their maiden championship series since 1993 by beating the Seattle Mariners in the seventh seventh game of the AL Championship Series.
Behind three runs to one, Springer hit a three-run home run in the seventh frame, guiding the only Canadian franchise in the majors to a 4-3 series win in the best-of-seven series. Next up are the Dodgers, who are the current crown, in the upcoming World Series.
"I'm thrilled for this squad, our city, Canada," said Springer, an integral part of the Houston Astros team that claimed the 2017 title. "What an unbelievable moment."
George Springer has now connected for twenty-three playoff homers, making him third in history after Manny Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Altuve (27).
"It's hard to imagine another player in the world that I want up in that spot other than Springer with his post-season brilliance," noted Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
Seattle, who had led the series two games to none and three games to two, continue to be the sole team never to appear in a championship series.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson said "certainly that it's painful" in the wake of his club's elimination at Rogers Centre, but applauded their efforts this season.
"It's a special team. Sadly that we ended up on the wrong side of this game," he remarked.
The Blue Jays won the title on both previous visits in the early 90s, and will welcome the Los Angeles in the opener on the upcoming Friday.
