George Springer remains undeterred by the taunts of Seattle Mariners fans as he prepares for Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder was the target of jeers when he was hit by a pitch in Game 5, leading the Mariners’ crowd to celebrate his departure from the game.
Springer’s Injury and Determination
During the pivotal Game 5, Springer took a hard 95.6 m.p.h. pitch to his right kneecap, delivered by Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo. The incident occurred in the seventh inning, contributing to Toronto’s 6-2 defeat.
Following the event, Springer expressed his focus on recovery and health. He commented, “Ultimately, at the end of the day, I’m just concerned about my health, and that’s out of my control.” His remarks highlighted his commitment to staying positive despite the challenging circumstances surrounding his injury.
Game 7: A Must-Win Situation
Springer will be at the top of the batting order in the crucial must-win Game 7. He noted that despite being brushed back during the previous game, he remains dedicated to performing at his best. “I got hit in the kneecap,” he acknowledged. “It’s not ideal, but at this point, I’m going to play.”
Springer’s Performance This Season
- Regular Season Stats:
- Batting Average: .309
- Home Runs: 32
- Runs Batted In: 84
- Stolen Bases: 18
- On-Base Percentage: .399
- Post-Season Performance:
- Batting Average: .233
- Home Runs: 3
- Runs Batted In: 6
Manager’s Praise for Leadership
Blue Jays manager John Schneider commended Springer for his leadership, describing him as a model of perseverance for teammates. “He’s doing a very deliberate job of not complaining,” Schneider noted. “It’s about setting a standard. Everyone’s feeling it right now. No one cares. You got to go out and you got to get it done.”
As the Blue Jays gear up for Game 7, Springer’s resilience and determination will be crucial in their playoff efforts. The atmosphere promises to be electric as they face their rivals head-on, aiming for a spot in the World Series.
