SEATTLE — Max Scherzer showcased his elite pitching skills on Thursday night, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to an 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This win ensures that the series will return to Toronto for a Game 6 on Sunday.

Scherzer, often referred to as "Mad Max," delivered his best performance in months, marking his most impressive playoff outing in six years. He entered the game after a three-week hiatus, having been left off the roster for the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees. In his last six regular-season starts, he had struggled, allowing 25 runs in 25 innings and giving up runs in the first inning of each of those games.

However, in Game 4, Scherzer quickly silenced any doubts. He allowed only one run — a solo home run by Josh Naylor — and two hits through five innings, while the Blue Jays built a four-run lead. In the fifth inning, after a single by Dominic Canzone, Scherzer retired the next two batters, aided by a spectacular catch from Addison Barger.

As Scherzer faced Seattle's Randy Arozarena for the third time, Blue Jays manager John Schneider approached the mound to discuss a potential pitching change. Scherzer's reaction was intense; he turned and exclaimed, "Whoa!" When Schneider asked if he was okay to continue, Scherzer responded with enthusiasm, saying, "Yeah, I’m sure! Let’s go!" Schneider decided to leave him in, and Scherzer struck out Arozarena to end the inning, finishing with five strikeouts overall.

Scherzer returned for the sixth inning, retiring the first two batters before walking Jorge Polanco. After throwing 87 pitches, he recognized his night was done. As Schneider approached again, Scherzer quietly expressed his frustration but handed over the ball without resistance.

This performance was a significant moment for Scherzer, who reached the milestone of 500 career starts, including 26 in the playoffs. Schneider noted, "He’s got a pretty good idea of what he’s doing. It really comes down to where he’s putting his pitches."

Despite a shaky start, where Scherzer threw eight consecutive balls in the first inning, he managed to escape a potential jam by inducing a double play. The Blue Jays had no immediate plans to warm up a reliever, demonstrating their confidence in Scherzer.

Scherzer's performance was a reminder of why the Blue Jays signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason. Schneider expressed his anticipation for a postseason start from Scherzer, emphasizing that his focus is on performing in critical moments. "This is literally why he’s playing still. It’s not to pitch in April, May, June, July; it’s to pitch in the postseason. There’s one thing on his mind at this point in his career," Schneider said.

With this victory, the ALCS is now a best-of-three series, and Scherzer's performance has reinvigorated the Blue Jays' hopes of advancing further in the playoffs.