MLB playoffs: Raleigh homers as Mariners stifle Blue Jays in long-awaited return to ALCS

• Seattle Mariners 3-1 Toronto Blue Jays

• Seattle pitchers combine for just 100 pitches

• Mariners return to ALCS for first time in 24 years

Cal Raleigh homered, Jorge Polanco drove in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning single and the Seattle Mariners beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 Sunday night as they returned to the AL Championship Series for the first time in 24 years.

George Springer homered on the first pitch from Bryce Miller, who then escaped a two-on jam in a 27-pitch first inning. Anthony Santander singled in the second for Toronto's only other hit, and Seattle pitchers retired 23 of the Blue Jays' final 24 batters. Miller, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash and Andres Munoz combined to throw just 100 pitches less than 48 hours after the Mariners needed 209 pitches to outlast Detroit over 15 innings.