The Blue Jays Earn Fall Classic Showdown Against the Dodgers
George Springer contributed to the Houston Astros claiming the championship in the 2017 season.
Toronto's Blue Jays reached their initial Fall Classic following the 1993 season by defeating the Seattle Mariners in the seventh Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
Down three runs to one, Springer delivered a three-run blast in the seventh, propelling the only Canadian franchise in the majors to a four games to three victory in the best-of-seven series. Awaiting them are the Dodgers, holders of the reigning title, in the anticipated World Series.
"It's incredible for this squad, the city, our country," said Springer, a star of the Astros team that secured the 2017 title. "It's truly an incredible feeling."
The veteran has now connected for 23 total playoff homers, placing him third in history trailing only Manny Ramirez (29) and Altuve (twenty-seven).
"It's hard to imagine another player anywhere that I want up in that spot other than George Springer with his playoff prowess," remarked Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
The Mariners, who had led the series two games to none and three games to two, are still the one club that has never reached in a Fall Classic.
Manager Dan Wilson commented "certainly that it's going to sting" after his club's elimination at Rogers Centre, but praised their work throughout the year.
"They're an exceptional squad. Sadly that we ended up on the losing end of this one," he added.
The Blue Jays claimed the title on both previous visits in 1992 and '93, and are set to host the Dodgers in the first game on the upcoming Friday.
