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The Toronto Blue Jays advanced to their initial championship series following the 1993 season by beating the Seattle Mariners in the decisive seventh game of the ALCS.

Behind by two runs, Springer hit a three-run blast in the seventh frame, guiding the only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball to a 4-3 series victory in the seven-game series. Awaiting them are the Los Angeles Dodgers, holders of the defending champions, in the upcoming World Series.

"I'm thrilled for everyone here, Toronto, the nation," said Springer, a key player of the Houston Astros team that won the 2017 title. "This is such an unbelievable moment."

Springer has now connected for 23 playoff homers, ranking him third in history behind Manny Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (27).

"I can't think of another player in the world that I'd choose in that spot other than him with his October magic," remarked manager John Schneider.

Seattle, despite leading the series two games to none and three games to two, are still the sole team yet to make an appearance in a championship series.

Manager Dan Wilson commented "certainly that it's going to sting" after his club's elimination at Toronto's Rogers Centre, but commended their efforts in the campaign.

"This is a unique group. It's a shame that we ended up on the wrong side of this one," he remarked.

The Blue Jays won the World Series on both previous visits in 1992 and '93, and will host the Dodgers in the opener on this Friday.