By Harshit | October 10, 2025 | 2:30 EDT
Scherzer Readies for Another Elimination Classic
Max Scherzer has been here before — ten times, in fact. On Friday night, the 40-year-old ace found himself once again preparing for a winner-take-all duel as the Toronto Blue Jays kept their World Series dreams alive with a determined 6–2 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.
For Scherzer, this moment is nothing short of sacred. “These games never get old,” he said. “They’re so hard to reach. To get another crack at it — this is what you live for.”
Game 7 will unfold under the bright lights of Rogers Centre, where Toronto fans have waited decades for a moment like this. With the series now even at 3–3, the Blue Jays and Mariners will play for the right to face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series.
All Hands on Deck
Toronto’s victory was fueled by discipline, bullpen heroics, and timely hitting. Closer Jeff Hoffman, who tossed two near-perfect innings in Game 6, set the tone with his determination to give everything for the team. “There’s no choice,” he said. “If the team needs you, you do it and worry about tomorrow later.”
Manager John Schneider’s bullpen management was sharp this time around. After Game 5’s costly errors, he trusted Hoffman and setup man Louis Varland to handle Seattle’s late push. Meanwhile, power hitters Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette provided the offensive spark — Guerrero’s fifth-inning home run sending the Rogers Centre crowd into a frenzy.
Seattle, on the other hand, leaned heavily on its relievers. Top arms Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo absorbed key innings, while closer Andrés Muñoz was kept fresh for the final showdown.
Managerial Mindsets and Redemption
John Schneider didn’t shy away from admitting relief after the win. “It’s pretty frickin’ cool that we are where we are,” he said with a grin. “You’ve got to keep your foot on the gas. Whenever you get to play Game 7 to go to the World Series — that’s what we sign up for.”
Seattle manager Dan Wilson, meanwhile, kept his message focused and calm despite the loss. “We’ll make our adjustments offensively and be ready to go,” he said. “Baseball’s a game of adjustments, and that’s what tomorrow is about.”
Rotation Depth Will Be Tested
Both teams have their full pitching arsenals ready for the decider. Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber will take the mound, with Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt all available for relief duty. Seattle counters with George Kirby, supported by Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo, and veteran Luis Castillo if needed.
Toronto’s mix of experience and versatility may provide an edge. “You might see Max Scherzer in the fifth inning,” Gausman hinted. “That’s what postseason baseball is — every arm, every out counts.”
Heavy History at Stake
For Seattle, this marks the franchise’s first-ever Game 7 appearance. For Toronto, it’s a chance to end a 40-year wait since their infamous 1985 ALCS collapse against Kansas City. The Blue Jays’ last appearance in the World Series dates back to their glory years in 1992 and 1993, when they won back-to-back titles.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: one win to secure a return to the Fall Classic, one loss to endure another offseason of heartbreak. Both clubs — founded in 1977 — are now separated only by nine innings of destiny.
Vibe Check: Advantage Toronto
Momentum appears to be on Toronto’s side. After surviving elimination, the team’s confidence is surging, and the home crowd’s energy could prove decisive. As Scherzer said, “This is what you grind for all year — one game, one shot at history.”
Game 7 begins Saturday night in Toronto. Expect intensity, strategy, and perhaps one more unforgettable chapter in Scherzer’s postseason legend.
