41-year-old Max Scherzer refuses to leave the game, showing determination to help the Blue Jays even the series against the Mariners.

In Game 4 of the MLB American League Championship Series, the Toronto Blue Jays, down 1-2 in the series, were driven by the fiery effort of 41-year-old starter Max Scherzer to defeat the Seattle Mariners 8-2 on the road, leveling the series at 2-2.

Scherzer threw 5.2 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, striking out 5 and walking 4, delivering a game full of grit and intensity. He even refused to be taken out in the fifth inning, staying on the mound to escape a tough situation.

Facing elimination with another loss, the Blue Jays were on the brink. In the fifth inning, after Scherzer gave up a hit and recorded two outs, manager John Schneider was ready to visit the mound to make a pitching change against Randy Arozarena. However, Scherzer passionately declined to leave, insisted on continuing, then struck out the batter to end the threat, electrifying the crowd.

Scherzer continued pitching into the sixth inning. Although Mason Fluharty, who relieved him, gave up a hit that allowed an additional run, Scherzer ultimately delivered a quality outing with 5.2 innings pitched and 2 runs allowed.

On offense, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit another home run, marking his fifth in this postseason and officially surpassing José Bautista to become the Blue Jays' all-time leader for most home runs in a single playoff year.

The Blue Jays lost the first two games, losing home-field advantage, but hit five home runs in Game 3 to get back in the series. In Game 4, although Scherzer was taken deep by Josh Naylor in the second inning, the Blue Jays scored five runs combined in the third and fourth innings to take a 5-1 lead. In the seventh inning, with one out, Guerrero smashed a 96 mph sinker over the right field wall, extending the lead to 6-2, much to the dismay of the Mariners fans.

Guerrero has played eight postseason games this year. He homered in each of the first three games against the Yankees and has now homered in both games at the Mariners’ park, totaling five home runs and officially breaking Bautista’s 2015 record. The key to the Blue Jays’ two consecutive wins has been Guerrero’s resurgence; after going hitless in seven at-bats in the first two ALCS games, he exploded for four hits in Game 3, nearly hitting for the cycle, and followed up with two hits and another home run in Game 4.

The Blue Jays have evened the series at 2-2. In the upcoming Game 5, the winner will take the first lead in the series. The Blue Jays plan to start ace Kevin Gausman, while the Mariners will send Bryce Miller, who impressed in Game 1, to the mound.