Blue Jays Ride Big Third Inning to Game 3 Win Over Mariners
The Toronto Blue Jays put together their most complete performance of the postseason on Thursday night, defeating the Seattle Mariners 9–2 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. A six-run third inning powered the Blue Jays to victory, giving them a 2–1 series lead and a chance to close things out in Game 4.
The game started quietly, with Seattle striking first on a solo home run by Julio Rodríguez in the bottom of the second inning. But Toronto’s response in the top of the third changed everything. Bo Bichette led off the inning with a single, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. followed with a double off the wall to put runners in scoring position.
After a walk to Alejandro Kirk loaded the bases, Daulton Varsho lined a two-run single to center, putting the Blue Jays ahead 2–1. Matt Chapman added an RBI double, and George Springer capped the rally with a three-run home run to left field. By the end of the inning, Toronto had sent ten batters to the plate and built a commanding 6–1 lead.
Seattle starter Logan Gilbert struggled to regain control after the outburst, lasting only 2.2 innings while allowing six earned runs on seven hits. The Mariners’ bullpen did its best to limit the damage, but Toronto’s balanced lineup continued to apply pressure throughout the game.
Kevin Gausman anchored the win for Toronto with a strong outing on the mound. The right-hander pitched six innings, striking out nine batters and allowing just two runs. His ability to settle in after the first inning gave the Blue Jays a steady foundation as their offense took over.
“Once the guys got those runs on the board, I just focused on attacking the zone,” Gausman said after the game. “It’s easy to pitch with confidence when your teammates are swinging the bats like that.”
Toronto added three more runs in the fifth and seventh innings, highlighted by RBIs from Bichette and Kirk, to put the game out of reach. Meanwhile, the bullpen combination of Erik Swanson, Tim Mayza, and Jordan Romano held Seattle scoreless over the final three innings.
For the Mariners, the loss was a disappointing setback after splitting the first two games in Toronto. Manager Scott Servais acknowledged his team’s struggles, saying, “They took advantage of every opportunity. We had a few chances to respond, but we just didn’t execute.”
The Blue Jays now stand one win away from advancing to the American League Championship Series. Game 4 is set for Friday night, with José Berríos expected to start for Toronto and George Kirby taking the mound for Seattle.
If the Blue Jays can carry their offensive momentum into the next game, they could secure their first trip to the ALCS since 2016.
