Toronto Blue Jays fans are converging on Seattle ahead of their upcoming games against the Mariners on Wednesday and Thursday evening.
With their season starting to hang in the balance, and the Jays already down two games in the best of seven series, the stakes are the highest they’ve been this year.
Despite the tension, fans on the ground in Washington State told CBC News they’re hoping the Jays can bring home a win Wednesday night, and carry that momentum forward.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe,” said Pat Kelley, a Jays fan who traveled from Calgary, Alta., to watch them play.
“It’s a little dire but it’s a good park for (Shane) Bieber tonight, hopefully they can chase them down and the bats wake up,” Kelley said.
WATCH | Seattle had no shortage of Toronto Blue Jays fans from near and far on Wednesday:
Jays fans hold out hope in Seattle ahead of Game 3
Pike Place Market in Seattle had no shortage of Toronto Blue Jays fans from near and far on Wednesday ahead of the team’s ALCS contest against the Mariners. Despite the Jays being down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, fans were excited and some had faith in a comeback.
Following their 3-1 defeat of the New York Yankees, fans’ spirits were running high heading into the semi-finals. Two straight losses to the Mariners have dampened some people’s enthusiasm, but others are determined to keep the energy up.
“We’re huge fans,” said Neil Klassen, who made the trip from Edmonton. “It was a 14-hour road trip, but we had to make it happen, we’re so excited for our Blue Jays.”
Clayton Brooks travelled all the way from Dallas, Texas, to watch the Jays play.
Clayton Brooks travelled all the way from Dallas, Texas, in the hopes of seeing the Jays make the championship. (Robert Krbavac/CBC)
“They’re different, they’ve got that grit, they’ll get after you,” said Brooks. “There’s not a long history of world series wins but we’re here, and we’re ready to see them take one.”
Currently in a best of seven series, the Jays need to win four of the next five games in order to continue their championship run. One more loss against the Mariners would mean every game afterwards is a must-win for them to stay in.
A lead like this will be a tough challenge to overcome, especially with the next three games taking place on the Mariners home field, but they could still pull it off. Back in May, the Jays swept the Mariners 3-0 in Washington.
