The Blue Jays are gearing up for Game 3 to challenge the Mariners, who currently lead the best-of-seven playoff series 2-0. The action shifts to Seattle’s T-Mobile Park on Wednesday. The American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 3 kicks off shortly after 8 p.m. ET.
Shane Bieber will be on the mound for Toronto, aiming to stifle the potent Seattle offense, which has outscored the Blue Jays 13-4 over the first two games. Blue Jays manager John Schneider emphasized the importance of Bieber executing his pitches effectively to keep the Mariners’ hitters at bay. He stressed the need for the entire pitching staff to be sharp, especially against Seattle’s power hitters, known for their ability to hit home runs.
On the other side, the Mariners will rely on George Kirby as their starting pitcher in Game 3, seeking to extend their series lead to 3-0. This would escalate the pressure on Toronto, making Game 4 a must-win for them.
Blue Jays slugger Anthony Santander is set to return to the lineup after sitting out Game 2 due to back tightness. Despite his contributions in the postseason, the Blue Jays’ offense has struggled in the first two games of the ALCS, falling short against the Mariners. Toronto’s George Springer has been a bright spot, hitting a home run in Game 1 and scoring two runs in the series.
Toronto will need to step up their offensive game to turn the series around. Facing a tough road ahead, the Blue Jays must secure four wins to advance to the World Series. If successful, they will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Milwaukee Brewers from the National League Championship Series (NLCS), both formidable opponents with impressive regular-season performances.