Mariners vs. Blue Jays ALCS schedule, prediction, odds: Toronto takes Game 1 behind Cal Raleigh home run

So much for the Seattle Mariners getting a slow start after that 15-inning marathon in ALDS Game 5. Instead, the Mariners took Game 1 of the ALCS over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, a 3-1 win (box score). Cal Raleigh homered and Jorge Polanco drove in the other two runs, while Seattle pitching allowed just a leadoff home run to George Springer.

The Blue Jays haven’t been to the ALCS since 2016 and haven’t been to the World Series since 1993. The Mariners haven’t been to this round since 2001 and have never won the AL pennant. They remain the only team of 30 in MLB to have never played in the World Series. They’ll have their chance to advance here, but they have to deal with a hungry Blue Jays team.

Mariners vs. Blue Jays schedule

• Time: 5:03 p.m. ET | Date: Monday, Oct. 13
• Location: Rogers Centre — Toronto
• TV channel: Fox | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
• Starting pitchers: RHP Logan Gilbert (SEA) vs. RHP Trey Yesavage (TOR)
• Odds: Blue Jays -128, Mariners +105 (via DraftKings)

Game 2 storylines

Mariners: They say if the road team can split the first two games on the road, they’re in good position. The Mariners, looking for their first World Series berth, are salivating at the idea of a 2-0 lead by the end of Monday.

Blue Jays: Toronto may not have a clear frontline starter in the rotation, but Game 2 starter Trey Yesavage has looked like it in his short major-league career. Last time out, he struck out 11 Yankees in 5 ⅓ no-hit innings of ALDS Game 2. Now the Blue Jays look to him to shut down the Mariners too.

Game 2 prediction

After dropping Game 1, the Blue Jays will ride rookie Trey Yesavage’s golden righty arm to a Game 2 win to even the ALCS at a game apiece. An offense that was held to two hits in Game 1 will come back to life, and put Game 2 out of reach in the middle innings. Blue Jays win by at least four runs. — Mike Axisa