Mariners vs Blue Jays: Starting Lineup - ALCS Game 1 Preview

The American League Championship Series is finally upon us, one team will have a chance to end a World Series drought that stretches back to 1993, the other will be looking to make its first-ever appearance in the Fall Classic.

Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman will be on the bump in Game 1 Sunday evening versus Mariners starter Bryce Miller. First pitch is at 8:08 PM ET on Sportsnet and FOX.

Kevin Gausman started Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees and was likely to take the mound in Game 5 of the series had it been necessary.

The 34-year-old was also in the bullpen and, according to manager John Schneider, was available for Toronto in Game 4, which they won 5-2.

Gausman was impressive in his only postseason outing so far this year, holding the Yankees to one run over 5.2 innings while allowing four hits, two walks and striking out three.

He had a 3.59 ERA in 193.0 innings spread out over 32 starts for the Blue Jays during the regular season.

Bryce Miller, 27, posted a 5.68 ERA over 18 starts this season, striking out 74 and walking 34 in 90.1 innings.

He last pitched in Game 4 of the ALDS on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers, allowing four hits and two runs over 4.1 innings while recording two strikeouts.

The righty was also roughed up in his lone regular-season appearance against the Blue Jays on May 11, when he surrendered eight hits and seven runs over five innings.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson will be counting on Miller to provide length Sunday, with his team coming off a marathon 15-inning victory over the Tigers in Friday's Game 5.

Seattle used starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo out of the bullpen in that game en route to victory.

The Blue Jays' last bullpen game resulted in their biggest win since 2016, a day that advanced them to the ALCS, while allowing just two earned runs.

It turned into a managerial masterclass on top of some incredible pitching performances.

Schneider, pitching coach Pete Walker and the Blue Jays' pitching staff made what felt like one thousand decisions, holding the high powered New York Yankees lineup to two runs on six hits.

All the Blue Jays relievers have had sufficient rest, and are available for tonight's ALCS clash with the Mariners