Scherzer delivered in ALCS Game 4 as Jays lead Mariners in Seattle

Max Scherzer delivered a vintage postseason performance for the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night, pitching into the sixth inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series in Seattle and leaving with his team leading 5-2, putting Toronto in position to even the best of seven series as it moves back to Toronto for Game 5. The 41 year old right-hander struck out five, allowed three hits and two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings, and finished his outing with the Blue Jays ahead.

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner who had been activated for the ALCS after missing the Division Series, stood his ground when manager John Schneider visited the mound late in the fifth inning. With the veteran at 70 pitches and two outs, Scherzer argued to stay in the game and then struck out Mariners slugger Randy Arozarena to end the inning. He returned for the sixth inning, recorded two more outs including a strikeout of Julio Rodriguez, and departed after a walk to Jorge Polanco. Polanco later scored on a subsequent play, but Scherzer exited with Toronto leading 5-2.

The outing was significant for Scherzer and the Blue Jays. He had struggled with injuries and inconsistency late in...