When Trey Yesavage, pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays took the mound at Rogers Centre on October 19, 2025, nobody expected history. In the third, fourth and fifth innings of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, the 22‑year‑old rookie induced three consecutive ground‑into double plays – the first three of his Major League career – and struck out seven batters, turning a 2‑0 lead into a 6‑2 win that forced a decisive Game 7.
Why the double plays mattered
The three back‑to‑back double play sequence was more than a statistical quirk. With Seattle chasing a comeback after dropping the first three games in Toronto, each extra out in the middle innings put the Mariners on the defensive and preserved the Blue Jays’ momentum. It also gave manager John Schneider, 44, a concrete reason to trust his 22‑year‑old arm in a do‑or‑die situation.
Game‑by‑game breakdown
Seattle’s offensive firepower had already lit up the series – 20 of the 25 runs came via homers, according to hitting coach Robert Cupitt. Yet on that October night, the Mariners were held in check. In the second inning, Yesavage whiffed Josh Naylor, Randy Arozarena and Eugenio Suárez in order, showcasing the "wipe‑out secondary stuff" Cupitt had warned about. By the third inning, bases were loaded with Cal Raleigh at the plate. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sprinted to his left, fielded a slick grounder and fired a quick throw to Andrés Giménez, the Mariners’ second baseman, completing a textbook 3‑6‑1 double play that kept Toronto’s lead intact.
Key players stepping up
Beyond Yesavage’s poise, the night belonged to a few clutch performers. Guerrero Jr., already the series’ offensive catalyst, belted a solo homer in the fifth inning – his sixth postseason long ball – tying the franchise record held by Jose Bautista and Joe Carter. He later told FOX Sports analysts Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz, “I mean I play for this city. I play for my teammate, you know, and uh I believe in this team. I believe in my teammate.”
On the opposite side, Seattle starter Logan Gilbert, 28, looked sharp early but was robbed of any rhythm after the fifth‑inning double play. The Mariners’ manager Dan Wilson had entered the game hoping for a ground‑ball‑heavy approach, noting before the start, “Twenty of the 25 runs in this series have come off homers… I hope we see more team‑oriented grinding at‑bats.” Unfortunately for Seattle, the grind never materialized.
Managerial perspectives
Schneider’s confidence in Yesavage was evident in a post‑game press conference. He recalled, “I feel like his last three starts in the big leagues have been pretty big games, and he's responded well. You kind of lose sight of the fact that he's 22… you bring him up with 12 days left in the season, and you're not asking him to just get his feet wet. You're asking him to go win games. So he's stepped up to the challenge.”
Wilson, meanwhile, tried to keep his team focused. “We know we can knock it out of the park,” he said, “but tonight we missed the timing on the ground balls. We’ll regroup for Game 7.”
What this win means for the ALCS
- Blue Jays now lead the series 4‑3, forcing a deciding Game 7 back in Toronto.
- Seattle must win on the road to stay alive, a daunting task after a 6‑2 loss.
- If Toronto prevails, they’ll face the National League champion in the 2025 World Series – their first appearance since 1993.
Looking ahead to Game 7
Game 7 is slated for October 20 at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays will likely stick with Yesavage if he’s ready, trusting his newfound ability to induce ground balls under pressure. Seattle, on the other hand, may lean on its power hitters – Cal Raleigh and the rest of the lineup – hoping the ball finally clears the fence.
Analysts are already betting on a tight, pitcher‑friendly duel. “If Yesavage can keep the Mariners off the bases early, Toronto’s offense will have the freedom to swing the bat,” said former MLB scout Maria Ortega. “But one misstep, and Seattle’s home‑run machine could turn the tide in an instant.”
Key facts
- Game 6 final score: Toronto Blue Jays 6, Seattle Mariners 2.
- Yesavage recorded three consecutive GIDPs in innings 3‑5 – a first in his MLB career.
- Guerrero Jr. tied the franchise postseason home‑run record with six.
- Blue Jays clinched the AL East with a 94‑68 regular‑season record.
- Mariners secured the AL West with a 90‑72 record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Yesavage’s performance affect his role moving forward?
The rookie’s three‑inning double‑play streak shows he can command the middle of the game under pressure. Toronto’s staff is likely to keep him in the rotation for Game 7, and if he continues this poise, he could become a regular starter in the postseason next year.
What does this win mean for Seattle’s chances in the series?
Seattle now faces elimination on the road. They must spark a power surge early – something they’ve relied on all series – while limiting ground‑ball opportunities that Toronto’s defense has proven adept at converting.
Why is Guerrero Jr.’s home‑run milestone significant?
Matching the postseason home‑run totals of legends Jose Bautista and Joe Carter places Guerrero Jr. among the franchise’s most clutch hitters. It also underscores his role as the Blue Jays’ offensive catalyst heading into a winner‑takes‑all Game 7.
Who are the key matchups to watch in Game 7?
Pitcher versus hitter—Yesavage (if he starts) against Seattle’s power core, especially Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver. Conversely, Logan Gilbert’s ability to keep the Blue Jays from stringing hits together will be crucial if he takes the mound.
When and where is the World Series if Toronto advances?
The 2025 World Series is scheduled for late October, with the exact dates pending the ALCS outcome. The series will be played at the National League champion’s home park, rotating between the two clubs for the best‑of‑seven format.
