Shane Bieber will take the mound for Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night.
The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander confirmed he will be tasked with the winner-take-all matchup after the club fought to a 6-2 win in Game 6 on Sunday to stay alive against the Seattle Mariners.
Bieber has faced mixed results in his two starts this post-season. He was roughed up in Game 3 of the ALDS in New York as the Yankees chased him after 2.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) and five hits in a 9-6 loss.
The 30-year-old recovered in Game 3 of the ALCS with the team’s backs against the wall down 2-0 in the series and facing three straight on the road in Seattle.
Bieber delivered eight strikeouts over six innings, giving up two runs on four hits in a 13-4 win that propelled the team back into the series.
The 27-year-old also pitched in the Mariners’ marathon victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of their ALDS. He started the 15-inning affair and was effective over five innings picking up six strikeouts and surrendered one run.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider stated that all hands will be on deck inside their bullpen, with starters Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer ready on standby.
The Seattle Mariners will tab right-hander George Kirby, manager Dan Wilson announced during his post-game press conference.
Kirby pitched opposite Bieber during Game 3 but was roughed up for eight runs on eight hits before he was tagged with the loss.
First pitch for Game 7 is set for 8:10 p.m. ET at the Rogers Centre, catch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
