Scherzer Set to Ignite Game 4 for Blue Jays in ALCS Showdown

Published

1 week ago

16 October, 2025

editorial

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays are poised for a crucial moment as Max Scherzer takes the mound for Game 4 of the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Scherzer, known for his intensity and competitive spirit, is ready to lead his team in this must-win matchup, declaring, “I love it. This is what you play for.”

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is making his 26th postseason start and 31st appearance overall in the playoffs. Having not pitched since September 24 against the Boston Red Sox, he is eager to prove himself after struggling earlier this season with a 5.19 ERA.

“I expect Max to be Max,” said teammate Chris Bassitt, who also joined the ALCS roster after missing the Division Series. Bassitt recently pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings during a tough 10-3 loss to the Mariners. Scherzer and Bassitt are crucial for the Blue Jays, who have dropped the first two games of the series and need to rally to keep their championship hopes alive.

Despite his recent struggles, Scherzer remains focused. He acknowledged the challenges he faced this season, including neck pain that hindered his performance. “I don’t want to sit here and go backwards and blame injuries,” he stated, emphasizing his determination to win regardless of past setbacks. He signed a $15.5 million contract with Toronto in February, reflecting the team’s faith in his abilities.

The Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious situation. After losing the initial games at home, the team must secure at least two victories in Seattle to extend the series back to Toronto. Scherzer’s leadership and experience are vital as they face this pressure. “We’re a great team,” he affirmed. “We’ve shown resilience all year with comeback wins. Yes, we lost two games, but these are must-win games, and we all understand what’s at stake.”

As Game 4 approaches, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Scherzer’s performance could be the turning point for the Blue Jays in this high-stakes showdown. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the action unfolds tonight.