đź”— Share this article Raleigh Homers as Mariners Overpower Toronto Blue Jays in Much-Anticipated Comeback to ALCS Cal Raleigh homered, Jorge Polanco delivered the go-ahead run with a sixth frame single, and the Seattle Mariners overcame the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Sunday evening as they made their return to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in two dozen years. Pitching Mastery on Display George Springer launched a homer on the opening delivery from Miller, who then got out of a two-on jam in a 27-pitch first inning. Anthony Santander hit a single in the second for the Blue Jays' sole additional hit, and Mariners pitchers retired 23 of the Blue Jays’ final 24 batters. The pitching quartet combined to throw just 100 pitches under two days after the Mariners needed 209 pitches to outlast Detroit over 15 frames. Crucial Batting Moments Raleigh, who led the major leagues with 60 homers, tied the score in the sixth with his ninth homer in 14 games at the Toronto ballpark. Kevin Gausman had previously kept batters hitless on splitters in the postseason before the home run by the catcher. Polanco delivered a go-ahead base hit later in the inning and added an RBI single in the eighth inning. “We’re a tough team, you know, one through nine,” Raleigh stated. “Our pitchers performed today, really, really impressed us. They did awesome. Particularly on short rest and the high pitch count the other day.” AL West champion Seattle journeyed to Toronto, the AL East champion on the prior day after a 3-2 home victory over the Tigers to claim the Division Series in the most extended decisive contest in MLB history. Historic Accomplishments Seattle, the only MLB team to never host a World Series game, limited Toronto to just two hits after the Blue Jays had 50 hits and 34 runs in their four-game Division Series against the New York Yankees. Miller, who earned the win, fanned three and issued three walks in six innings, throwing 72 deliveries. The bullpen trio each had 1-2-3 innings, with Muñoz getting the save. “This is going to be a hard-fought series, for sure,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “Our team will be prepared for it.” Springer’s 21st postseason home run broke a tie with the Yankees’ Derek Jeter, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the career list. Raleigh's home run was his fourth in 15 appearances against Kevin Gausman, who suffered the defeat. Polanco, the hero of Friday's game, hit a single off Brendon Little to drive in Julio RodrĂguez, who was walked by Gausman. Polanco later added another run-scoring hit against DomĂnguez. Memorable Game Highlights Eugenio Suárez doubled off the top of the right-field wall in the seventh inning against Varland. The 395-foot hit would have been a home run in half of MLB stadiums, including Seattle. Toronto outfielder Nathan Lukes exited in the fourth. Lukes sustained a right knee bruise when he fouled a ball into his knee in the first inning.