Toronto Blue Jays Claim Fall Classic Showdown With Los Angeles Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Astros claiming the championship in the 2017 season.
Canada's MLB team earned a spot in their maiden Fall Classic following 1993 by overcoming the Mariners in the decisive game seven of the ALCS.
Behind 3-1, Springer smashed a three-run home run in the seventh frame, leading the only Canadian franchise in MLB to a four games to three win in the seven-game series. Next up are the Dodgers, the team that is the defending champions, in the forthcoming championship.
"I'm just so happy for our team, our city, the nation," Springer stated, a key player of the Astros team that claimed the 2017 World Series. "What an unbelievable moment."
Springer has now slugged 23 October home runs, making him third in history after Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (27).
"It's hard to imagine another person in the world that I'd prefer in that moment other than George Springer with his playoff prowess," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, 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 Fall Classic.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented "without a doubt that it's going to sting" after his club's elimination at Rogers Centre, but praised their performance in the campaign.
"It's a special team. It's a shame that we ended up on the wrong side of this one," he added.
Toronto's team secured the title on each of their earlier trips in the early 90s, and are set to host the Dodgers in game one on the upcoming Friday.
