SEATTLE — Grim odds faced the Toronto Blue Jays the last time they pulled up to T-Mobile Park to face the Seattle Mariners. They trailed the American League Championship Series 2-0 after dropping the first two games at home, and only four of the 30 teams in such dire circumstances during previous post-seasons had rallied to advance.

But six strong innings of two-run ball from Shane Bieber, combined with five homers by the offence, produced a 13-4 win in Game 3. The Blue Jays took Game 4 as well before losing the last of the three in Seattle, and then recovering, of course, to win the final two at home to reach the World Series.

“Fond memories, an incredible series, a hard-fought series. We were definitely on our heels going into Game 3,” said Bieber, who “loved” the challenge of starting such a pivotal game. “Max (Scherzer) and I were talking about it the other day — there's something about being a road dog. It's a fun thing to embrace. Obviously, you'd prefer not to be down 2-0, or just down in general, but that's what baseball is all about. And the team that we had last year was ready for it. So it's a fun thing to embrace and a great challenge, always.”

The stakes won’t be nearly as high this weekend, although the Blue Jays, still untracked at 41-46 through three bumpy months of injury and roster churn, are once again looking to turn their fortunes on the West Coast. This nine-game trip to Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego is an opportunity to make up ground before the all-star break.

It begins Friday, when Dylan Cease faces off with Luis Castillo, followed by Bieber versus Logan Gilbert on Saturday and........

© Sportsnet