Spanish
In a night that seemed destined to mark a before and after in the history of the Seattle Mariners, the team fell again at the last instance.
This Monday, the Mariners lost 3-4 to the Toronto Blue Jays of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), missing the opportunity to play in their first World Series in 48 years of existence.
The team led by Dan Wilson started strong. Julio Rodríguez opened the game with a double and scored thanks to a single by Josh Naylor. In the third inning, Rodríguez hit a solo home run, and in the fifth, Cal Raleigh followed suit with another home run, putting Seattle ahead 3-1.
However, the Blue Jays didn't give up. In the seventh inning, Addison Barger and Isiah Kiner-Falefa reached base with a walk and a single, respectively, and then the worst came for Seattle.
George Springer hit a three-run homer against reliever Eduard Bazardo, putting Toronto ahead 4-3 and sealing the victory.
With this defeat, the Mariners extend a disheartening record for the fans and the organization: the only team in Major League Baseball that has never played in a World Series.
Despite having a young and talented team, the franchise has not managed to overcome the ALCS barrier. This time, the combination of defensive errors and the lack of offensive response at key moments was costly.
After a season full of hope and an outstanding performance in the playoffs, elimination in the ALCS has left a bitter taste and a devastated fanbase.
The team, which seemed to have everything to achieve glory, falls short again.
Looking ahead
Despite the disappointment, the Mariners have a solid foundation for next season, with players of the caliber of Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and George Kirby, who have demonstrated their quality and potential.
However, the franchise must learn from its mistakes and find a way to overcome the obstacles that have historically prevented them from reaching the World Series.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays celebrate their return to the World Series after 32 years, where they will face the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
