The stage is set for a thrilling Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, pitting the Seattle Mariners against the Toronto Blue Jays. With a 2-0 lead in the series, the Mariners are just two wins away from their first-ever World Series appearance, but the Blue Jays aren't going down without a fight.
The Battle for the Pennant
As the series shifts to Seattle, the Mariners have the upper hand, having won the first two games in Toronto. But here's where it gets controversial: history is not on the Blue Jays' side. More than 80% of MLB teams that have fallen behind 2-0 in a best-of-seven series have ultimately lost. Can the Blue Jays defy the odds and mount a comeback?
Game 3 will commence shortly after 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1 and fubo. The pitching matchup features a battle of right-handers: George Kirby for the Mariners and Shane Bieber for the Blue Jays. Bieber, acquired from the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline, is expected to shine in this pivotal moment.
CBS Sports will provide live updates and analysis throughout the game, bringing you every pitch, every play, and every pivotal moment.
Live Updates
[20:00] - Bieber is on fire, striking out the last five batters he's faced. The Mariners' George Kirby, however, is struggling. The Blue Jays take a 5-2 lead in the third inning after a series of hard-hit balls, including a double off the wall by Daulton Varsho.
[20:15] - The Blue Jays' bottom of the order steps up. Ernie Clement doubles, and Andrés Giménez follows with a two-run homer, tying the game at 2-2 in the top of the third. Giménez, filling in for the injured Bo Bichette, is hitting an impressive .500 in the postseason.
[20:30] - Kirby regains his composure, striking out Anthony Santander to end the inning. The game remains tied as the Mariners come up to bat.
[20:45] - For the second consecutive game, Julio Rodríguez smacks a first-inning homer, giving the Mariners a 2-0 lead. Jorge Polanco follows with a double, putting pressure on Bieber.
[21:00] - The Blue Jays' offense is heating up, with Vlad Guerrero Jr. doubling off the wall in left field. The game is tied at 2-2 as we head into the bottom of the third.
[21:15] - T-Mobile Park, known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, has been a tough place for hitters. But Julio Rodríguez is a superstar, and he's showing it in this series. Can the Blue Jays find a way to score runs in this notoriously difficult ballpark?
[21:30] - The Blue Jays take a 5-2 lead, but the Mariners aren't done yet. With a runner on second and one out, the game is far from over.
[21:45] - Kirby escapes a jam, striking out Anthony Santander. The Mariners are up to bat, looking to close the gap.
[22:00] - The Blue Jays' offense is alive, but the Mariners' pitching is holding strong. Can the Blue Jays rally and make this a series?
[22:15] - Game 3 is underway, and the tension is palpable. Who will prevail? Will the Blue Jays mount a comeback, or will the Mariners secure their place in the World Series?
Stay tuned for more live updates and analysis as this thrilling game unfolds. Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Who do you think will win this battle for the pennant?
