Furious Scherzer lashes out at manager after securing first playoff win in six years

Today, the Toronto Blue Jays, led by the vintage performance of 41-year-old veteran "Mad Dog" Max Scherzer, defeated the Mariners 8-2. In the bottom of the fifth inning with two outs, Scherzer emotionally rejected manager John Schneider’s decision to come out and make a pitching change, choosing instead to stay on the mound and struck out the batter to escape the jam.

This was Scherzer’s 500th career start combining regular season and playoffs, and he appeared to return to his peak form during the game. In the bottom of the fifth with two outs and a runner on first, the team led 5-1 and was just one out away from securing the win. When manager Schneider approached the mound to check in, Scherzer responded passionately, insisting on continuing to pitch.

Schneider ultimately trusted him, and Scherzer struck out Randy Arozarena with a sinking curveball, then clenched his fist and stormed off the mound in a roar of triumph.

After the game, Scherzer said: "It was two outs, I glanced at the scoreboard and my arm felt great. I was already thinking about how to face Arozarena. I was a bit surprised when Schneider came out. At that moment, I was certain I wanted to keep pitching. I understood the game situation and wanted to handle that hitter myself. I just expressed it in a slightly different way."

Scherzer pitched until the bottom of the sixth with two outs. After walking Jorge Polanco, he exited the game having thrown 87 pitches. Mason Fluharty, who replaced him, then issued another walk and gave up a hit that allowed one run, which was charged to Scherzer. Overall, Scherzer pitched 5.2 innings, gave up 3 hits, struck out 5, walked 4, and allowed 2 runs, including a solo home run by Josh Naylor.

This was Scherzer’s first outing since September 24, during which he rested due to minor neck and back discomfort. Although he maintained pitching form through simulated games, the Blue Jays still had some concerns about his condition. This victory marked Scherzer’s first playoff win since Game 1 of the 2019 World Series.

Scherzer became the fourth pitcher in history to start and win a game in the American League Championship Series at age 41 or older. The previous three were Dennis Martínez in Game 6 of 1995, Roger Clemens in Game 3 of 2003, and Kenny Rogers in Game 3 of 2006.