MLB Playoffs 2025: Blue Jays & Max Scherzer Dominate Mariners in Game 4 to Tie ALCS
October baseball is where legends are made—and in 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays and their ace, Max Scherzer, are writing another unforgettable chapter. Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. With Scherzer’s masterful pitching and the Blue Jays’ explosive offense, Toronto knotted the series at 2-2, sending shockwaves through the postseason. This wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of why Scherzer remains one of baseball’s most dominant forces and why the Blue Jays are a team built for October.
For fans, this game was a rollercoaster of emotion—dramatic strikeouts, clutch hits, and a stadium electric with energy. For analysts, it was a clinic in postseason pitching and strategic baseball. And for the Mariners? A brutal lesson in why you never count out a team with a three-time Cy Young wier on the mound.
Let’s break down how the Blue Jays and Scherzer dismantled Seattle, what this means for the rest of the ALCS 2025, and why this series is shaping up to be an instant classic.
—
The Stage: ALCS Game 4 – A Must-Win for Toronto
Heading into Game 4, the Blue Jays were staring down a 2-1 series deficit. The Mariners, riding high on their young core and a red-hot Julio Rodríguez, had seized momentum with a Game 3 walk-off. Toronto needed a response—and they got it in the form of Max Scherzer, the 40-year-old fireballer who seems to get better when the lights shine brightest.
Why This Game Was Pivotal
- Momentum Shift: A loss would’ve put Toronto in a 3-1 hole, a near-impossible climb in a best-of-seven series.
- Scherzer’s Postseason Pedigree: With a 2.23 ERA in 32 career postseason starts, Scherzer was the perfect arm to stop the bleeding.
- Mariners’ Struggles vs. Elite Pitching: Seattle’s offense had feasted on mid-tier starters but had yet to face a true ace in this series.
From the first pitch, it was clear: Scherzer wasn’t just pitching to win—he was pitching to dominate.
—
Max Scherzer’s Masterclass: A Pitching Clinic in Game 4
If there’s one word to describe Scherzer’s performance in Game 4, it’s surgical. Over 7.2 iings, the future Hall of Famer carved up the Mariners’ lineup with a mix of 98-mph fastballs, knee-buckling sliders, and that signature Scherzer intensity. The stat line tells the story:
- 6 hits allowed
- 1 earned run
- 10 strikeouts (including 4 in a row at one point)
- 0 walks—because Scherzer doesn’t believe in free passes in October
How Scherzer Outdueled Seattle’s Hitters
What made Scherzer’s performance even more impressive was how he adapted mid-game. The Mariners came in aggressive, looking to ambush early counts. Scherzer countered by:
- Changing eye levels: Starting hitters with high fastballs, then dropping devastating sliders below the zone.
- Exploiting weaknesses: Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, Seattle’s biggest bats, went a combined 1-for-8 with 5 Ks against Scherzer.
- Pitching backward: Using off-speed pitches in fastball counts to keep hitters off balance.
Key Moment: In the 6th iing, with ruers on the corners and one out, Scherzer struck out Ty France (Seattle’s RBI leader) with a 97-mph fastball painted on the black. The stadium erupted—and the Mariners never recovered.
Scherzer’s Postseason Legacy Grows
This wasn’t just another dominant Scherzer start; it was another entry in his all-time great postseason résumé. With this win, he:
- Tied Justin Verlander for the most 10+ strikeout games in playoff history (8).
- Lowered his career postseason ERA to 2.19—better than legends like Sandy Koufax (2.95) and Bob Gibson (2.74).
- Became the oldest pitcher (40+) to strike out 10+ in an ALCS game since Randy Johnson in 2001.
“Mad Max” isn’t just defying age—he’s redefining what dominance looks like in October.
—
The Blue Jays’ Offense: Clutch Hits When It Mattered
While Scherzer was the story, Toronto’s lineup ensured this wasn’t a one-man show. The Blue Jays’ offense, which had been quiet in Games 2 and 3, exploded for 5 runs on 9 hits, with timely hitting from their core:
Standout Performances
- Bo Bichette: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, including a 400-foot homer in the 3rd to give Toronto the lead.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and a web gem at first base to rob a hit.
- Daulton Varsho: 2 hits, 1 stolen base, and a leadoff double in the 5th that sparked a 2-run rally.
The Biggest Play: Bichette’s Moon Shot
With the game tied 1-1 in the 3rd, Bichette ambushed a first-pitch fastball from Seattle’s starter and launched it into the second deck. The 112-mph exit velocity was the hardest-hit ball of the series—and it shifted the entire complexion of the game.
“That’s the Bo we know,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider postgame. “When he gets a pitch to handle, he doesn’t miss.”
Bullpen Locks It Down
After Scherzer’s exit in the 8th, Toronto’s bullpen—led by Jordan Hicks (102-mph heat) and Yimi García—shut the door with 1.1 scoreless iings, sealing the 5-1 victory.
—
What This Win Means for the ALCS
With the series now tied 2-2, the ALCS shifts back to Seattle for Game 5. Here’s what changed after Game 4:
Momentum Swings to Toronto
- Psychological Edge: The Blue Jays stole a game in Seattle and now have Scherzer lined up for a potential Game 7.
- Mariners’ Rotation Questions: Seattle’s ace, Luis Castillo, was shaky in Game 1. Can they trust him in a must-win Game 5?
- Blue Jays’ Road Success: Toronto was 25-16 away from home in 2025—best in the AL. They won’t be intimidated at T-Mobile Park.
Key Matchups to Watch in Game 5
- Yusei Kikuchi (TOR) vs. George Kirby (SEA): A battle of lefty vs. righty—can Kikuchi’s curveball neutralize Rodríguez?
- Julio Rodríguez vs. Blue Jays’ Bullpen: J-Rod is 1-for-10 with 6 Ks in this series. Will he break out?
- Vlad Guerrero Jr. vs. Kirby: Vlad is 3-for-7 lifetime against Kirby with a homer.
Prediction: Who Advances?
With Scherzer and Alek Manoah (Game 6) waiting, the Blue Jays have the pitching advantage. But Seattle’s resilience can’t be overlooked. Expect:
- A Game 5 Mariners win to retake the lead.
- A Game 6 Blue Jays victory in Toronto to force a decider.
- A Game 7 showdown where Scherzer vs. Castillo could decide the peant.
Buckle up—this series is far from over.
—
Why This Blue Jays Team Is Built for October
The 2025 Blue Jays aren’t just good—they’re postseason-tested. Here’s why they’re a legitimate World Series threat:
1. Elite Starting Pitching
With Scherzer, Manoah, and Kevin Gausman, Toronto has a top-3 rotation that can match up with anyone. In the playoffs, starting pitching wins championships—just ask the 2023 Rangers or 2022 Astros.
2. Clutch Offense
The Blue Jays led MLB in late-iing RBIs (7th iing or later) in 2025. Bichette, Guerrero, and George Springer have all delivered walk-off hits this season.
3. Bullpen Depth
Toronto’s relievers posted a 3.21 ERA in the regular season (3rd in MLB) and have been even better in the playoffs (2.89 ERA).
4. Postseason Experience
This core has played in three straight postseasons. Scherzer, Springer, and Justin Turner have World Series rings. They don’t fold under pressure.
5. The “It” Factor
Some teams just feel like they’re destined for greatness. The 2025 Blue Jays have that swagger—a mix of talent, confidence, and the ability to rise in big moments.
“This team reminds me of the 2015 Royals,” said MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds. “They’ve got the arms, the bats, and that killer instinct.”
—
How to Watch the Rest of the ALCS
Don’t miss a pitch of this ALCS thriller. Here’s how to catch every game:
Game 5: Blue Jays at Mariners
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Time: 5:07 PM ET
- TV: TBS (US), Sportsnet (Canada)
- Streaming: Max (US), Sportsnet NOW (Canada)
Game 6 & 7 (If Necessary)
- Game 6: Back in Toronto – Rogers Centre will be electric.
- Game 7: A potential Scherzer vs. Castillo rematch for the peant.
Pro Tip: If you’re watching in 4K, TBS and Max offer ultra-HD broadcasts—perfect for seeing every Scherzer slider in crystal-clear detail.
—
Final Thoughts: A Series for the Ages
The 2025 ALCS is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic, unpredictable postseason series in years. Game 4 was a masterpiece—Scherzer’s dominance, Bichette’s power, and the Blue Jays’ refusal to go quietly. But the Mariners won’t disappear without a fight.
For baseball fans, this is what October is all about: legendary performances, heart-stopping moments, and a chance to see history unfold. Whether you’re rooting for Toronto’s veteran core or Seattle’s rising stars, one thing is certain:
This series isn’t over until the last out—and neither team is going down without a war.
—
Your Turn: Who’s Wiing the ALCS?
Do you think the Blue Jays’ momentum carries them to the World Series? Or will the Mariners’ resilience shine in Games 5 and 7? Drop your predictions in the comments!
And if you’re catching the games, grab your jersey, fire up the stream, and enjoy the ride—because this is the kind of baseball you’ll tell your grandkids about.
Play ball. ⚾
—