TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays are preparing for a historic moment as they set to face the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, and they’re leaning on ace Shane Bieber to lead the charge. Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians just before the trade deadline, Bieber is ready to make an impact in what could be the most significant game for the franchise since their last World Series victory in 1993.
Bieber expressed his excitement for the opportunity, recalling his disappointment last year when he was sidelined during Cleveland’s own Game 7 ALCS fate due to recovery from Tommy John surgery. “It’s been a culmination of a lot of events and dominoes to get to this point,” he said. “But now I get the ball tomorrow and I’m extremely excited for it. This is what I love to do and I’m grateful for every opportunity.”
After being traded on July 31, Bieber was activated from the injured list in late August and made an immediate impact by contributing to a critical win against the Miami Marlins. Over his seven regular-season starts for Toronto, he achieved a 4-2 record with a 3.57 earned-run average and tallied 37 strikeouts over 40.1 innings. His postseason journey saw a rocky start in Game 3 of the ALDS, but he rebounded strongly in the ALCS, once again showcasing his capabilities.
Toronto manager John Schneider emphasized the importance of Bieber in high-pressure scenarios like the upcoming game. “When you get into this situation — historic game for the franchise — you want a guy that’s kind of been there,” Schneider remarked. This was the vision that prompted the Blue Jays to acquire Bieber, reinforcing the team’s high hopes for their new ace.
On the opposing mound, George Kirby will pitch for the Mariners, a team that is striving for its first trip to the World Series. Kirby, who faced Bieber in their previous meeting, remains optimistic about the challenge ahead, stating, “I love pitching under pressure and super glad I’m able to get Game 7.”
As the Blue Jays prepare for this pivotal matchup, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the game underscore the potential for a thrilling outcome. With experienced players and a history of high-stakes moments, fans remain hopeful that this could be the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.