Despite Bazardo's strong track record and the team's confidence in him, the decision to bring him in during Game 7 was second-guessed after George Springer's decisive three-run home run in the seventh inning, which ultimately clinched the series for the Blue Jays.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledged that such high-stakes decisions involve risk, and in this case, the outcome did not favor the Mariners, ending their hopes of reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

Bazardo had previously limited the Blue Jays to just one run on three hits and four strikeouts over three appearances in the series, including a scoreless outing in Game 6 against Springer.

The Mariners were eliminated after losing Game 7 of the ALCS to the Blue Jays, despite holding a 3-1 series lead and leading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Wilson made a key pitching change before Springer's home run, replacing right-hander Bryan Woo with Eduard Bazardo, a decision based on Bazardo's consistent performance during the season and in previous ALCS appearances.

Springer, who was hindered earlier in the series by a knee injury, hit his 23rd postseason home run with the decisive three-run shot in the seventh inning.

Wilson explained that Bazardo was chosen because of his regular-season consistency and recent effective appearances, including a scoreless outing in Game 6 where he faced Springer.