Max Scherzer Shuts Down Mariners, Defies Manager in Vintage ALCS Performance

Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, 41, turned back the clock with a dominant performance for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, evening the series at two games apiece with an 8-2 victory. Scherzer, who was left off the Division Series roster due to neck pain, allowed just two runs on three hits, including a solo homer by Josh Naylor, over 5 2/3 innings, striking out five. Making his 500th career start, he became the oldest pitcher to start a postseason game since Jamie Moyer in 2008 and earned his eighth career postseason win. In a fiery moment, Scherzer famously refused to leave the game when manager John Schneider attempted a mound visit in the fifth inning, telling his skipper in "a little bit different language" that he wanted the ball, then promptly struck out Randy Arozarena. Teammates like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer acknowledged his "Mad Max persona" and backed his decision, with Schneider trusting the Hall of Famer's resolve.