SEATTLE – When your back is against the wall, there’s only one way out: Start throwing punches.
That’s how Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman described his team’s situation ahead of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, and Toronto did exactly that on Wednesday night, answering the noise and electricity of the Emerald City with a thunderous performance of its own.
Andrés Giménez, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger all homered as the Blue Jays displayed the blend of power and perseverance that has defined their season, securing a 13-4 victory over the Mariners at T-Mobile Park — a convincing statement that this fight is far from finished.
In the history of best-of-seven postseason series, teams that have won Game 3 when facing a 2-0 deficit have gone on to win the series 14 of 53 times (26.4%). In series with the current 2-3-2 format, teams winning Game 3 on the road when down 2-0 have gone on to win three of 11 times (27.3%).
Julio Rodríguez launched a two-run homer off Toronto starter Shane Bieber for a first-inning lead, whipping the crowd into an early frenzy as the Seattle outfielder hoisted a golden trident near the top step of the first-base dugout.
It marked J-Rod’s second consecutive game with a first-inning homer — and the high point of the evening for the Mariners.
