Blue Jays fans desperate for Game 7 triumph with spot in World Series on the line

Blue Jays fever is in the air with Toronto one victory away from winning the American League Championship Series (ALCS) — and fans are brimming with optimism ahead of a do-or-die Game 7 Monday night.

Compared to the sombre mood after a Game 1 loss a week earlier, Rogers Centre was ablaze Sunday night with ecstatic fans singing, cheering and chanting, “Let’s go Blue Jays!”

The Jays dominated the Seattle Mariners 6-2 in Game 6 of the ALCS, and now pitcher Shane Bieber starts for Game 7 with a spot in the World Series on the line. The action starts at 8:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre.

After a huge win in Game 6 fans were celebrating the efforts of the entire team, but especially rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage for his second start in a postseason game and sixth career start in the league.

“Vladdy’s the best, Yesavage was amazing, we can’t wait to be back tomorrow night,” said fan Jacob Benarroch after Sunday’s game. “Time for the World Series in Toronto, baby!”

WATCH | Break down of Blue Jays victory in Game 6 of the ALCS:

The Jays won Sunday's game against the Mariners, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. CBC's Greg Ross breaks down the highlights.

For his 11-year-old son Adam, the standout moment of the game was a speedy double play by Yesavage, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andrés Giménez to take out two runners while bases were loaded in the top of the third inning.

Online fans called Yesavage a critical player to the Jays’ postseason victories with a start they wouldn’t forget for years to come.

Guerrero also got love from fans after he made Blue Jays history for tying the franchise record with six postseason home runs.

Outside Rogers Centre, excited fans told CBC News that Guerrero represents the future of the Blue Jays and where they are headed in the years to come.

Donte Robinson, a fan at Sunday’s game, said he had no doubt in the team winning Game 6 after taking the lead in the fourth inning.

“I believe the team has what it takes to take it all the way,” he said, adding manager John Schneider has helped change how the team plays.

Robinson said he’s predicting the Jays will take on the Dodgers in another tense Game 7 for the World Series title.

Blue Jays fans across the country shared in that sentiment and were eager to see another home game victory for the team.

The ALCS winner will face off against reigning champions the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming finals. The Dodgers are rested after sweeping the National League Championship Series 4-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Fans in Toronto hoping to attend Monday's game will have to dig deep into their wallets. Resale prices on Ticketmaster range from $340 to over $3,500 per ticket.

Over the weekend, Blue Jays owner Rogers held a giveaway for 500 free tickets at Game 7 of the ALCS through a pop-up “Dial the Dugout” station at The Eaton Centre. Fans were also able to enter a separate giveaway for 100 tickets by calling, texting or posting on social media.

Rogers said the winners of that contest will be selected before the game.

For those unable to get a hold of tickets, the City of Toronto is hosting a free outdoor viewing party at David Pecaut Square.

If the Blue Jays advance to the World Series, the city says viewing parties for all the games will take place at Nathan Phillips Square.