The Mariners got as close to a World Series as they ever have in their 48-year history. It still wasn't close enough.

Decisions can make or break a game, a series, a season. We saw it in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, when Blue Jays manager John Schneider went to Brendon Little to face the heart of the Mariners’ lineup,

Tarik Skubal is coming out to the mound. Fox's pregame panel of former All-Stars all picked the Mariners to win the series yesterday. But after the Tigers Game 1 victory on Saturday, their Game 2 picks are a bit more mixed today: Dontrelle Willis ...

Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven have gone on to win the series 87% of the time. Games 3-5 will be played at T-Mobile Park, where the Mariners went 51-30 this season (39-42 on the road).

Valdimir Guerrero Jr. continued his torrid October with two more hits including his sixth home run of the postseason to pace the attack. The first baseman is now hitting .462 during the playoffs. Addison Barger also went deep for Toronto. Josh Naylor went yard for the Mariners.

It's a Game 1 rerun, at least on paper, as No. 5 starter Bryce Miller starts for Seattle, opposed by Toronto ace Kevin Gausman. Miller was able to break serve in a 3-1 Game 1 victory, though the Blue Jays' 29-hit eruption in Games 3 and 4 and means the Mariners' bullpen is more taxed coming in.

The Mariners and Blue Jays entered tonight’s game at a crossroads. With the Mariners up 2-1 in the American League Championship Series, they had the opportunity to seize a 3-1 lead that would almost certainly ensure the franchise’s first ever pennant.

The Seattle Mariners didn't accomplish their goal this postseason, but with Julio Rodriguez showcasing skills among others, they could be back next year.