The Toronto Blue Jays showcased strong offense and pitching to secure an important 8-2 victory against the Seattle Mariners in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Thursday night. This win leveled the series at two games each.

Seattle got an early lead with a solo home run by Josh Naylor, but Toronto quickly turned the tide by scoring three runs in the third inning and adding two more in the fourth, taking a commanding 5-1 lead.

In a repeat performance from the previous night, Andrés Giménez of the Blue Jays hit a two-run home run in the third inning. The Mariners managed to score one more run in the sixth inning, cutting Toronto’s lead to 5-2, but the Blue Jays responded with additional runs, including a solo homer by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the seventh inning.

Pitcher Max Scherzer, making his playoff debut for Toronto at 41 years old, delivered a solid performance, striking out five Mariners over nearly six innings. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Scherzer’s resilience and dedication to the game.

Despite a brief mound visit from Schneider, Scherzer stayed in the game until the sixth inning. Toronto’s bullpen, featuring Louis Varland, Jeff Hoffman, and Seranthony Domínguez, closed out the game without allowing further runs from Seattle.

Toronto’s victory tied the series, with both teams now having two wins each. The ALCS will extend to at least six games, with Game 5 scheduled at T-Mobile Park on Friday evening. The Blue Jays will have Kevin Gausman on the mound, while the Mariners will counter with Bryce Miller.

The winner of the ALCS will advance to the World Series to face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Los Angeles Dodgers. Toronto aims to reach its first World Series in over 30 years, while Seattle seeks its first-ever appearance in the Fall Classic.