Bazardo Homer Ends Mariners' Season; Wilson Criticized

George Springer’s three-run homer off Eduard Bazardo in the seventh inning (two on, no outs) turned a 3–1 Seattle lead into a 4–3 deficit and sent the Toronto Blue Jays to the World Series, ending the Mariners’ season. Manager Dan Wilson drew immediate and intense criticism for bringing in Bazardo instead of closer Andrés Muñoz, who had not allowed a run in 6 1/3 postseason innings and had a 1.73 ERA with 83 strikeouts in the regular season. Wilson defended the move, saying Bazardo is the team’s pivot reliever and had been trusted in similar moments, while critics including Jon Heyman said the club should have used its best reliever in that highest-leverage spot. Bazardo said he tried to throw a sinker that leaked over the plate, and teammates acknowledged pitch execution and selection will be examined as Seattle heads into the offseason.