Tonight, it’s Game 6 in Toronto. Unlike in the National League, this series has been competitive. And, unlike in the National League, the winner isn’t a foregone conclusion. 

Seattle won the first two games in Toronto. Toronto won the first two games in Seattle, with Seattle winning the third.

All of that means that Seattle is one win away from their first-ever trip to the World Series. And Toronto is one win away from forcing a do-or-die Game 7.

The pitching matchup on paper looks to favor Seattle. Veteran Logan Gilbert starts for the Mariners while rookie Trey Yesavage goes for Toronto. 

Starting pitcher matchups used to matter, especially in playoff games. But starters are on such short leashes now, it’s doubtful either starter gets into the fourth inning. Anymore, they’re all openers rather than starters.

Both teams have genuine stars that have much-watch-TV at-bats. Every time the Mariners Cal Raleigh or the Blue Jays Vlad Guerrero bat, it’s a spectacle. Guerrero is batting .457 with five home runs. Raleigh is hitting .333 with four homers.

Both teams have deep lineups, with threats from one through nine. 

Prediction: Seattle wins tonight.

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