Mariners Dominate Blue Jays 3-1 in ALCS Opener, Raleigh Homers, Polanco Drives in Go-Ahead Run

TORONTO — The Seattle Mariners returned to the American League Championship Series for the first time in 24 years with a gritty 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday night, fueled by timely hitting and sharp pitching.

Rookie Bryce Miller overcame an early jam to deliver six effective innings, while Cal Raleigh and Jorge Polanco provided the offensive punch that gave Seattle the edge in the series opener.

“The year, personally, didn’t go how I had planned and how I had hoped for but we’re in the ALCS and I got to go out there and set the tone,” Miller said. “I felt great.”

Raleigh’s Heroics Lift Mariners

Seattle’s slugger Cal Raleigh tied the game with a solo home run in the sixth inning, his second of the postseason, after leading the majors with 60 home runs during the regular season. The blast energized the Mariners’ dugout and shifted momentum in their favor.

“That was a big lift,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “It gave the team life and set the stage for Polanco’s go-ahead hit.”

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh (29) hits a home run in front of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) sixth inning American League Championship Series baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Polanco Delivers Go-Ahead Hit

Jorge Polanco drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth, breaking the tie and giving the Mariners a lead they would not relinquish. His single came at a crucial moment after Raleigh’s homer, demonstrating the Mariners’ ability to capitalize on big opportunities.

Miller Overcomes Early Trouble

Miller’s performance was not without drama. He allowed a first-pitch home run to Toronto’s George Springer but quickly regained composure. He navigated a bases-loaded, two-out jam in a marathon 27-pitch first inning, setting the tone for the rest of his outing.

“Once I got through that first inning, I was locked in,” Miller said. “The team backed me up, and that made all the difference.”

Blue Jays’ Offense Stifled

Toronto struggled to generate offense, with Anthony Santander recording the team’s only other hit with a single in the second inning. After the shaky start, Miller, alongside relievers Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz, retired 23 of the final 24 Blue Jays batters, combining for just 100 pitches — a remarkable feat less than 48 hours after the Mariners endured a 15-inning, 209-pitch marathon win over Detroit.

“We were tired, but we knew we had to bring our best,” Wilson said. “The guys stepped up when it counted.”

Seattle Returns to ALCS After 24 Years

The Mariners’ victory marks their first return to the ALCS since 2001, ending a long drought and highlighting the team’s postseason resilience. The mix of veteran leadership, clutch hitting, and breakout performances from younger players like Miller and Raleigh underscores a team peaking at the right time.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Raleigh said. “We’ve worked so hard to get here, and to open the series with a win on the road gives us a huge boost.”

Looking Ahead

Seattle now holds a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven ALCS series. The teams will reconvene for Game 2 on Monday, with both pitching staffs adjusting strategy based on the opener.

The Mariners’ combination of efficient pitching, timely offense, and postseason poise provides a blueprint for success as they aim to reach the World Series for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.

“We know the road ahead is tough,” Wilson said. “But tonight proves we can compete with anyone and handle the pressure.”