The Toronto Blue Jays were just six outs away from a pivotal victory. Holding a one-run lead in the eighth inning of Game 5, they were on the verge of taking a 3-2 series lead in the American League Championship Series. This would have marked their closest approach to the pennant since 1993. However, the Blue Jays' bullpen faltered, allowing five runs, including a grand slam by Eugenio Suárez, leading to a 6-2 defeat on Friday night.

Manager John Schneider's choice to bring in struggling left-hander Brendon Little has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts alike. Little entered the game with a 6.08 ERA over his last 21 appearances, making the decision controversial. In a different scenario, Mariners manager Dan Wilson could have faced criticism for his own decisions, as noted by a post-game column from a prominent analyst.

"Until the eighth, Wilson seemed destined to be criticized for removing right-hander Bryce Miller after a leadoff single in the fifth," the analyst wrote. Schneider had previously been praised for keeping righty Kevin Gausman in the game against a hitter who had a strong record against him. The analyst described Schneider's choice to use Little as "not awful," considering the lefty had allowed only one home run to a right-handed batter in 162 at-bats this season.

The analyst also pointed out Schneider's limited options, stating that other relievers were either overworked or not reliable. "Who in that bullpen do you really trust?" one former player questioned, highlighting the lack of a standout performer in the bullpen.

In the aftermath of the game, some commentators expressed disappointment over Seattle fans cheering when Blue Jays star George Springer was hit in the knee by a fastball. "Why in the world would you cheer when somebody gets hurt?" one broadcaster remarked, calling for a more compassionate response from fans.

X-rays on Springer’s knee returned negative, but his availability for the next game remains uncertain. Despite the setback, some analysts remain optimistic about the Blue Jays' chances in Game 6. They believe the team can bounce back, especially with the support of their home crowd.

On the Mariners' side, fans are celebrating what they consider a historic moment for their franchise. The significance of the game is being compared to a legendary moment from 1995 when Hall of Famer Edgar Martínez hit a crucial double to win the team’s first playoff series.

As the series progresses, oddsmakers predict a Seattle player will likely take home the ALCS MVP award, with several Mariners leading the odds. The lone Blue Jay on the list is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Looking ahead, analysts suggest the Blue Jays must respond aggressively in Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7. They emphasize that the loss should be attributed more to the team's hitting performance, which saw them go 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position, rather than solely to the bullpen decisions.