Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, showcased his unmatched intensity and extensive experience in a crucial postseason performance for the Toronto Blue Jays. In his first playoff start this season, Scherzer allowed two runs and three hits over 5⅔ innings, guiding the team to an 8-2 victory against the Seattle Mariners, which tied the American League Championship Series at two games each.
Scherzer’s fiery competitiveness was on full display during the fifth inning. After recording a hard-hit out, Blue Jays manager John Schneider approached the mound with two outs and a runner on base. Scherzer, clearly determined, proclaimed, “I’m good! Let’s go!” His passionate response led to one of the briefest mound visits in postseason history, as Schneider quickly opted to return to the dugout rather than challenge the veteran pitcher.
Reflecting on the moment, Scherzer explained, “I understood where the game state was, knew how I wanted to attack, and then all of a sudden, I saw Schneider coming out, and I kind of went, ‘Whoa, whoa, I’m not coming out of the ballgame.’” Schneider, amused by the encounter, remarked it was just what he expected from Scherzer based on their interactions during the offseason when the team was recruiting him.
Scherzer’s effectiveness was amplified by his curveball, which he threw for strikes ten times, leading to four strikeouts—a tie for his career high. Despite recent struggles that resulted in a 9.00 ERA across his final six regular-season starts, Scherzer managed to harness his skill and instincts when it mattered most.
In the early innings, there were concerns he might not go deep into the game after allowing two early walks. However, Scherzer quickly turned things around, escaping a jam by inducing a double play that spurred him on. “Dude’s 41,” Schneider noted, acknowledging the significance of Scherzer’s competitive spirit in critical moments.
With this victory, Scherzer became the fourth starting pitcher at age 41 or older to win a playoff game, joining legends like Roger Clemens and Kenny Rogers. Additionally, he made history as the first pitcher to start a postseason game for six different teams, underscoring his longevity and adaptability in the sport.
Supported by a potent Blue Jays lineup, including strong performances from players like Andres Gimenez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the team capitalized on opportunities to build their lead after a questionable decision by Mariners manager Dan Wilson to pull starter Luis Castillo early in the game.
As the game progressed, Toronto fans, many of whom traveled from Canada, filled the ballpark with chants of “Let’s go, Blue Jays!” echoing their support for the team. Scherzer, who previously won World Series titles with the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers, expressed the thrill of competing at the highest level.
“The excitement of beating those guys back in 2011, it’s the same excitement as today,” Scherzer affirmed. Such high-stakes moments exemplify what players strive for throughout their careers, making the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile. The Blue Jays now look forward to maintaining their momentum and capitalizing on the energy generated from this victory as they aim for further success in the postseason.