The American League championship series has been a study in swinging momentum, with statement road wins and massive home runs, but Game 5 was the first big switch that came late in the game.

A 2-1 Blue Jays lead evaporated when a game-tying Cal Raleigh home run and back-breaking Eugenio Suárez grand slam sealed a 6-2 win for the Mariners, who now lead the series three-games-to-two.

Here’s how the eighth inning went off the rails for the Blue Jays:

Bottom of the 8th, nobody out, 2-1 Blue Jays — Little is in

The moment: The Jays are clasping to a one-run lead with the heart of Seattle’s lineup ready to approach the plate. John Schneider turns to struggling lefty Brendon Little, who has a 6.08 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP over his last 21 outings, to face switch hitters Cal Raleigh and Jorge P

See Full Page