Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays will meet for Game 7, LA Dodgers return to World Series

The GIST: Crisp leaves, cooler temps, and a winner-take-all baseball game — there’s nothing quite like October. The Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays will meet for Game 7 tonight at 8:08 p.m. ET, with the winner advancing to the World Series for a matchup with the defending champ LA Dodgers. Here’s what to expect in this can’t-miss showdown.

🔱 Mariners playing for first-ever World Series appearance: Once boasting a commanding 2-0 series lead, each of Seattle’s losses this series have been of the lopsided variety. From uncharacteristic errors to shaky starting pitching, the M’s will need to return to the steady play that earned them their first AL West pennant since 2001.

• George Kirby will take the mound to try and tame this explosive Toronto squad, but as for Seattle’s bats, keep an eye on infielder Jorge Polanco. He’s delivered countless clutch hits this postseason — the M’s faithful will just need to hope he comes through again.

🐦 Will the Blue Jays offense stay hot?: Toronto did their best Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde impression this series, starting off slow before blasting 29 runs over their last four games. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has provided plenty of power — including a home run in last night’s 6–2 win — while outfielder Addison Barger drove in three runs. If they keep swinging like this, expect Rogers Centre to erupt tonight.

💙 One more thing: We simply have to mention the Dodgers’ NLCS MVP Shohei Ohtani, who helped his squad sweep their way back to the World Series with one of the best baseball performances of all time on Friday. Not only did Ohtani pitch six shutout innings, he also blasted three home runs in the clinching 5–1 victory. We are not worthy.