Canada's Blue Jays Claim Fall Classic Showdown Against the Dodgers
The outfielder contributed to the Houston Astros securing the championship in 2017.
Toronto's Blue Jays earned a spot in their maiden championship series after 1993 by defeating the Seattle Mariners in the decisive Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
Behind 3-1, outfielder George Springer smashed a three-run homer in the seventh inning, guiding the only Canadian franchise in MLB to a 4-3 series win in the best-of-seven series. Awaiting them are the defending champions, who are the defending champions, in the upcoming World Series.
"I'm thrilled for this squad, the city, our country," commented Springer, an integral part of the Astros team that won the 2017 title. "What an amazing experience."
Springer has now hit 23 playoff homers, placing him third on the list after Ramirez (twenty-nine) and Jose Altuve (twenty-seven).
"I can't think of another player anywhere that I want up in that situation except for him with his playoff prowess," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, despite leading the series 2-0 and 3-2, continue to be the only MLB franchise yet to make an appearance in a Fall Classic.
Manager Dan Wilson stated "certainly that it's going to sting" in the wake of his team's loss at Rogers Centre, but commended their performance in the campaign.
"They're an exceptional squad. Unfortunately that we ended up on the losing end of this one," he remarked.
Toronto won the title on both previous visits in the early 90s, and are set to host the Los Angeles in the opener on this Friday.
