Western Canada has invaded Seattle

SEATTLE — The Blue Jays needed a spark to reignite their pursuit of a spot in this year’s postseason. They found it in a sea of blue at Safeco Field.

Toronto arrived in Seattle earlier this week with a league-worst 5-11 record in September and a two-game lead in the American League Wild Card race that seemed to be slipping away. In a recent series vs. the Angels, the Blue Jays were sluggish and sloppy, but the club has looked rejuvenated this week and the fans from Western Canada deserve at least some of the credit.

Blue Jays players have been talking all week about the sense of excitement surrounding this series. It can be felt in batting practice with Toronto jerseys lining each side of the infield. It can be heard during the Canadian national anthem and it can certainly be felt during each at-bat.

“It’s incredible,” Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar said. “The best way to describe it is overwhelming, emotional. I tried to tell my family, my parents back home, what it’s like coming here. You see it on TV, but you can’t experience it unless you’re here firsthand.

“They made the trip up, and they can’t believe what they witnessed. … Not to knock our fans at home, but when it’s the only three games Canadians are going to see for the year, there’s just a different energy. Every pitch is intense.”

Fans in Western Canada …

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