UPDATE: In a devastating turn of events, the Seattle Mariners have seen their World Series dreams dashed as they fell to the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023. Just eight outs from their first-ever World Series appearance, the Mariners faced heartbreak that will linger for years to come.
With a season ripe with promise, the Mariners, having secured their first AL West title since 2001, entered the postseason with high hopes. However, their quest for glory ended in disappointment. “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure,” said Mariners star Cal Raleigh, articulating the collective sentiment after the loss. “What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series. That’s what the bar is and the standard is.”
The Mariners had taken a 3-1 lead in the Game 7, thanks to Julio Rodríguez, who doubled and later scored, and Raleigh, who hit his fifth postseason homer. But everything changed dramatically in the seventh inning when Eduard Bazardo allowed a three-run homer to George Springer, sealing Seattle’s fate.
Manager Dan Wilson, reflecting on the decision to bring in Bazardo over closer Andres Muñoz, stated, “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it.” His disappointment was palpable as the Mariners were unable to capitalize in the final four innings, ending their season with three consecutive strikeouts.
This loss is particularly poignant as the Mariners are the only team in Major League Baseball history to never have played in a World Series. “Obviously, it hurts,” said Rodríguez, underscoring the emotional weight of the defeat. The atmosphere was tense, with fans hoping for a different outcome as Seattle entered the game with a 3-2 series lead.
As the final inning approached, the dreams of a city hung in the balance. The Mariners had shown resilience throughout the season, yet their aspirations fell short in a gripping finale. “I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting,” Wilson added, expressing the deep sense of loss shared by the team and its supporters.
Looking ahead, the Mariners face an offseason filled with questions about their future. Having tasted the brink of success, the team must regroup and refocus for another attempt at championship glory next year. “All of us now have had a taste of how close we can get and how good this team can be,” Wilson reflected, instilling a sense of hope despite the crushing defeat.
The Blue Jays now advance to their first World Series since 1993, leaving the Mariners to ponder what could have been. As fans process this heart-wrenching loss, the Mariners organization will be tasked with rebuilding and aiming for the ultimate prize in the 2024 season.
