For the first time in 32 years, the Toronto Blue Jays are heading to the World Series. After a hard-fought American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, Toronto sealed the deal. Reflecting on Game 7, it was the Blue Jays’ pitching decisions that kept them afloat.

The series finale was set up to be a dogfight — one team would celebrate, the other would be left in despair. It all began with the pitching matchup. The Mariners sent George Kirby to the mound, who had struggled in his previous outing, while the Blue Jays countered with Shane Bieber.

The acquisition of Bieber was for moments like this. His start earlier in the ALCS back at T-Mobile Park showcased his dominance and reliability. The Blue Jays expected him to be effective early on — and he was. The right-hander was composed on the hill, repeating his delivery and maintaining consistency. His pitch sequencing was well planned, and he had a clear understanding of each hitter.

This time around, however, the Mariners continued their bat-to-ball approach, forcing seven hits off Bieber and scoring two earned runs. Bieber struck out five Mariners and walked two, finishing with 3 2/3 innings of work. He threw 74 pitches, relying heavily on his slider and mixing in 19 fastballs. Manager John Schneider recognized that Seattle’s contact against Bieber was becoming too consistent, and he did not want the lineup to face him a third time through.

Schneider’s “all hands on deck” approach was the right strategy to protect Game 7 and advance to the World Series.

Bieber’s night ended earlier than usual, but that was by design. In an elimination game, there is no tomorrow — every decision matters. Each pitcher after Bieber contributed at least one inning of work.

Louie Varland was next in line, bringing his usual shutout heat. The Mariners had seen plenty of him this series, and in this appearance, he threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run on a home run to Cal Raleigh.

There was no room for further mistakes. Schneider then turned to Seranthony Domínguez for one inning before calling on ace Kevin Gausman for a relief outing. It was a bold and brilliant move — bringing in their best arm to neutralize Seattle’s offense.

Gausman ran into some trouble, allowing three walks in his inning of work, but escaped unscathed. Chris Bassitt followed, looking sharp and healthy, using his full repertoire. It was a smart change of pace — giving the Mariners a different look and confusing them with unfamiliar off-speed pitches.

Finally, Jeff Hoffman was summoned to close it out, and he executed his job to perfection. He struck out the side, sealing the Blue Jays’ berth in the World Series.

The cocktail of pitching options proved to be the perfect silencer for the Mariners’ bats, maintaining the one-run lead all the way to the end.