Why Jays challenged out-of-play call vs Mariners in ALCS

The Seattle Mariners used a three-run fifth inning to kickstart their 10-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Monday.

That pivotal fifth inning began in an interesting way.

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With the game tied 3-3, Randy Arozarena led off the frame by grounding an infield single up the middle to Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez, who then made a spinning attempt to throw out Arozarena at first. Giménez’s throw sailed wide of the first-base bag and hit Mariners slugger Eugenio Suárez, who was sitting on the top step of the dugout.

The ball was initially ruled out of play, which allowed Arozarena to advance to second.

This ball got by the 1st baseman and hit Eugenio Suárez in the Mariners dugout.

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/MpoEC9ATMB

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 13, 2025

Blue Jays manager John Schneider challenged the call, but it was upheld after a replay review.

During a midgame interview with FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Schneider explained his decision to challenge. Schneider said there was a “miscommunication” between him and crew chief Alfonso Márquez.

“I just said, hey, if it hit (Suárez before it entered the dugout), does (Arozarena) go back to first?” Schneider said. “And he said yes, so I challenged. And then afterward, they said if they deemed it was going to go into the dugout anyway, the call’s going to stand. So just a little bit of miscommunication there, I guess, with me and Phonzo.”

“I thought he was throwing the ball fine, just one bad pitch to Julio in the first”@Ken_Rosenthal talks with John Schneider about Trey Yesavage’s outing, the challenge call, and Jorge Polanco’s hot streak at the plate for the Mariners pic.twitter.com/bYm0Ub7ts6

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 13, 2025

With Arozarena on second, the Blue Jays intentionally walked Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh. Two batters later, Jorge Polanco blasted a three-run homer to right-center field off reliever Louis Varland to give Seattle a 6-3 lead.

The Mariners will take a 2-0 series lead back to Seattle, needing just two more wins to earn their first World Series trip in franchise history. Game 3 is Wednesday night at 5:08 p.m. at T-Mobile Park.

JORGE POLANCO IS JUST RIDICULOUS! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/vkairlteWX

— MLB (@MLB) October 13, 2025

More Seattle Mariners ALCS coverage

• Watch: Mariners grab early ALCS Game 2 lead on Julio’s 3-run HR
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• Salk: The secret to Bryce Miller’s dominant ALCS start for Mariners
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• Full ALCS Schedule: Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays

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