Blue Jays Win ALDS
The Toronto Blue Jays will be playing in the American League Championship Series for the first time since 1993. The 2015 division series between the Blue Jays and Texas Rangers was a great one, with game five of the series already being considered one of the most memorable games in recent post-season history.
With the game tied at two in the top of the seventh inning, the Rangers had Rougned Odor on third base and Shin-Soo Choo up to bat. Russell Martin attempted to throw the ball back to pitcher Aaron Sanchez, but the ball hit off of Choo’s bat, allowing Odor to score. The play was highly controversial because the umpire was signaling for a dead ball, but Odor still scored. After a pause for the umpires to discuss the call, he was eventually ruled safe. The Blue Jays and their fans were enraged; beer and other items littered the field, with the game at that point being played under protest. Tempers were flaring and the possibility of losing this series as a result of a play fans deemed miscalled became real.
Fast forward to the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Jays managed to load the bases after three straight errors, all three of which should have been fairly routine outs. Josh Donaldson hit the ball into the outfield to tie the game and, even though Ben Revere was thrown out, the Jays still had two on with Jose Bautista coming up. His second deck, three-run home run shot was all the Jays needed to finish out the game.
It was an amazing finish to an equally amazing, drama-filled series. Highlights include:
- The Jays, who came in as clear favourites, were down 2-0 in the series and managed to win two games in Texas to stave off elimination
- This is the first ALDS ever won by the Toronto Blue Jays
- The team had never won an elimination game before in its history and now have won three straight
- They are one of five teams in division playoff history to force game five, and are only the third team to come back trailing after 2-0 in the series (the other two teams being the Yankees in 2001 and the Giants in 2012)
The Blue Jays were able to showcase their young talent; Aaron Sanchez, Roberto Osuna, Kevin Pillar, and Marcus Stroman will be Blue Jays for years to come. It was also a coming out party of sorts for several veterans as well, with Edwin Encarnacion, MVP candidate Josh Donaldson, and of course Jose Bautista all making their presences felt in the playoffs. Even the Toronto Blue Jays fans, who have been called quiet at times, were loud and boisterous, showing everyone that they also mean business.
The American League Championship Series should be a well-fought affair with either the Kansas City Royals or Houston Astros, beginning on Friday. It certainly won’t get any easier, so enjoy the party while it lasts.
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