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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reveals What Went Wrong for Blue Jays in Loss to Mariners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 5:59 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays had an incredible start to Game 1 of the 2025 American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, but when it was all said and done at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sunday night, it was the visitors who came away with a 3-1 victory.

Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer brought the house down with a 385-foot solo shot on the first pitch he saw from Seattle starter Bryce Miller. But as it turned out, that was the only time Toronto would score in the contest, as Miller recovered from that home run, pitching one-run ball for his entire six-inning stint on the mound. The Mariners' bullpen took it from there, with Gabe Speier, Matt Brash and Andres Munoz combining for three scoreless (and hitless) innings the rest of the way.

Those pitchers were responsible for the taming of Toronto's vaunted offense that features star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the series opener.

“We didn’t hit,” said Guerrero after the game, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) breaks his bat as he grounds out in the ninth inning Seattle Mariners.Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Guerrero couldn't find his rhythm at the plate against Mariners pitching. After ligthing up the New York Yankees in the ALDS with slashes of .529/.550/1.059, he went just 0-for-4 in Game 1 versus Seattle. Toronto was also just 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Overall, the Blue Jays were just 2-for-29, as regression hit them hard after batting .338 and posting a .974 OPS in the Yankees series.

Nevertheless, Guerrero remains optimistic about Toronto's outlook.

“It’s one game,” added Guerrero, who also said he expects the Blue Jays to rebound, as noted by Nicholson-Smith.

The Mariners, on the other hand, got their offense going in the sixth inning, as Cal Raleigh hit a home run to tie the score, 1-1. Jorge Polanco continued his strong showing in the postseason, as he went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs in the ALCS opener.

Trey Yesavage will get the ball for the Blue Jays in Game 2 this Monday, while the Mariners will send Logan Gilbert to the mound.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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