UPDATE: In a stunning display of resilience, Max Scherzer led the Toronto Blue Jays to an 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on October 12, 2023, tying the American League Championship Series at two games apiece. This pivotal win comes as Scherzer made his first postseason start after a challenging end to the regular season, showcasing his trademark intensity and pitching prowess.
The 41-year-old veteran pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on three hits. His fierce demeanor was on full display during a critical moment in the fifth inning when manager John Schneider approached the mound. Scherzer emphatically declared, “I’m good! Let’s go!”—prompting one of the quickest mound visits in postseason history.
Early in the game, Scherzer faced challenges, walking two batters in the first inning. However, he rebounded impressively, striking out Randy Arozarena to end the inning and demonstrating his ability to adapt under pressure. Despite a shaky finish to the regular season, with a 9.00 ERA over his final six starts, Scherzer’s determination shone through as he earned his first playoff win since 2021.
This game marked a historic achievement for Scherzer, making him just the fourth pitcher aged 41 or older to win a playoff game, joining the ranks of Kenny Rogers, Roger Clemens, and Dennis Martinez. Additionally, he became the first pitcher to start a postseason game for six different teams, further cementing his legacy.
The Blue Jays offense supported Scherzer with a powerful performance. Andres Gimenez hit a two-run homer early in the game, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added another home run in the seventh inning, bringing his postseason total to five homers. As the game progressed, the excitement among Blue Jays fans grew, especially as the crowd at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park began to dwindle, leaving the Toronto supporters chanting, “Let’s go, Blue Jays!”
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will aim to maintain this momentum in Game 5 of the series, while the Mariners must regroup quickly to reclaim the series lead. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the next matchup as both teams vie for a spot in the World Series.
Stay tuned for updates as this exhilarating series unfolds.
