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The GIST: The Toronto Blue Jays are unfortunately doing their best Toronto Maple Leafs impression, down 2-0 to the Seattle Mariners as their best-of-seven American League Championship Series (ALCS) heads to Seattle for tonight’s 8:08 p.m. ET Game 3.

• Down, but certainly not out, here’s where things stand as this squad swings to get back into it with a trip to the World Series on the line.

😬 Fans question manager John Schneider’s bullpen choices: Schneider went from locker room celebration star to social media fodder thanks to some controversial decisions. Fans feel he should’ve intentionally walked Seattle’s star hitters in big moments in Game 1 while they also felt he should’ve given rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage a longer leash in Game 2. We’ll see what he can do with a more rested staff in the days ahead.

‼️ Offense goes quiet vs. Mariners pitching: You can’t win if you don’t score, and Toronto simply hasn’t been putting up enough runs. They’re averaging just two per game in this series, compared to the 8.5 they averaged in their opening series vs. the NY Yankees.

• Big names like first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., third baseman Addison Barger, and center fielder Daulton Varsho have yet to record a hit in the ALCS. Anyone know an Etsy witch to help them break out of their slumps?

⚾ One more thing: While the Jays try to jolt some life into this series, the other half of the MLB playoff bracket is heating up, too. The reigning champ LA Dodgers took Game 2 5–1 over the Milwaukee Brewers last night, meaning they’re just two wins away from returning to the World Series for the third time in six seasons. Game 3’s back in LA tomorrow at 6:08 p.m. ET.

The GIST: And just like that, we’ve reached the final week of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) regular season. All four playoff spots have already been clinched by AFC Toronto, Vancouver Rise FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, and Montréal Roses FC, but seeding is still up for grabs, adding intrigue to this week’s matchups. Here’s what to watch with the postseason looming in early November.

😰 Ottawa hungry for a win over bottom-dwelling Halifax Tides FC today at 5:30 p.m. ET: Back-to-back winless weeks have left Ottawa scrambling, but if anyone can right the ship, it’s forward Delaney Pridham, who leads the league with 18 goals this season. Let’s see if Pridham can add to her tally or if Halifax’s defense will play spoiler.

⬆️ Can Vancouver hold on?: The Rise sit in second place following last week’s wins over Ottawa and Montréal, but those squads are hot on their tail. Vancouver closes things out against already-eliminated Calgary Wild FC tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET and will look to goalkeeper Morgan McAslan, the only player with at least 70 saves in the NSL, to lock it down. She’s a brick…house.

🎊 The Las Vegas Aces aren’t the only ones celebrating — three GISTers have officially dominated The GIST’s Women’s Pro Basketball Bracket Challenge.

🥇 Taking the crown: Russell, who joins the Aces at basketball’s pinnacle. All hail the hoops hero.

🥈 Hot on their heels: Robyn stormed into second place, proving they know ball too.

🥉 Rounding out the podium: Daisy clinched the third-place prize. Talk about clutch.

The buzzer may have sounded on women’s pro hoops, but the action never stops with FanDuel. They offer tons of ways to get in the game all year long. Your bracket era may be over, but your winning era? It’s just getting started.

🏀 NBA preseason: Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics — Tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET — TSN

• The Raps will hit the hardwood for their 31st NBA regular season exactly one week from today. This is just a tune-up tilt, but beating the winningest franchise in hoops history always feels good — even if it’s only the preseason.

🏒 NHL: Nashville Predators vs. Montreal Canadiens — Tomorrow at 7 p.m ET — Sportsnet

• Everything’s looking up for the Habs, who inked Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson to a long-term deal on Monday before fortifying the front office for years to come yesterday. Good things come in threes, so expect to hear this banger on repeat.

🏈 NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals — Tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. ET — TSN

• This primetime tilt is all about the numbers — specifically the ages of the Super Bowl MVP–winning quarterbacks who’ll go head-to-head: Pittsburgh’s 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers and Cincy’s 40-year-old Joe Flacco. Which vet will you go with in our free-to-play NFL Pick’ems Challenge?