Weekend Sports Wrap: MLB, NFL, NHL
MLB: Mariners Seize ALCS Opener Behind Raleigh and Polanco
The Seattle Mariners took control of the American League Championship Series on Sunday night, grinding out a 3–1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre to grab a 1–0 series lead. Seattle is now three victories away from its first World Series appearance in franchise history.
Cal Raleigh broke a tense sixth inning with a 420-foot solo homer off Kevin Gausman, tying the game and silencing a hostile Toronto crowd. Moments later, Jorge Polanco delivered a sharp go-ahead RBI single, capitalizing on a wild pitch that moved Raleigh into scoring position.
Polanco struck again in the seventh, punching a left-handed single through the right side to extend Seattle’s lead. His postseason resurgence has been pivotal — he now has six hits this October, five of which have driven in runs.
The Mariners’ pitching staff continued its postseason dominance, holding the Blue Jays to one run. Bryce Miller recovered from giving up a leadoff homer to George Springer and kept Seattle close while Gausman retired 16 straight at one point. The bullpen handled the late innings cleanly.
Game 2 is set for Monday at 5:03 p.m. ET, with Logan Gilbert starting for Seattle against Toronto rookie Chase Yesavage.
NFL: Chiefs, Buccaneers and Packers Highlight Full Sunday Slate
A busy Sunday saw several marquee matchups and a handful of statement wins around the league.
The Kansas City Chiefs returned to .500 with a 30–17 home victory over the Detroit Lions. Tampa Bay improved to 5–1 by beating San Francisco 30–19, while Green Bay topped Cincinnati 27–18.
The New England Patriots edged the New Orleans Saints 25–19, and the Pittsburgh Steelers continued their strong start with a 23–9 win over Cleveland. The Chargers narrowly beat Miami 29–27, while Seattle moved to 4–2 after defeating Jacksonville 20–12.
The Colts outlasted the Cardinals 31–27, the Rams beat the Ravens 17–3, and Denver handed the Jets their sixth straight loss, 13–11. The Raiders beat the Titans 20–10. Dallas edged Carolina 27–3.
NHL: Capitals Blank Rangers
In NHL action, the Washington Capitals shut out the New York Rangers 1–0 on Sunday. A strong defensive effort and goaltending sealed the narrow win in an early-season divisional matchup.
The week ahead will feature pivotal MLB playoff games as the League Championship Series continue, along with Monday Night Football and the first full week of the NHL regular season.
Source: MLB, NFL, NHL