ALCS: Overview on Blue Jays Max Scherzer's Dominant Outing in Game 4

The Toronto Blue Jays responded in Seattle last night, tying up the American League Championship Series at 2-2. The Blue Jays were guided through this win with a huge performance by Max Scherzer.

What should have been a potential bullpen day turned into Scherzer’s 26th postseason start. The skeptics were anxious about this one, given that Scherzer had not pitched as of late. The veteran right-hander’s last few starts were not at all ideal, with first inning trouble and shorter outings. 

What we witnessed in game four of the ALCS from Scherzer was exactly why Toronto brought him here. Postseason Scherzer entered the conversation. 

Blue Jays: The Postseason Max Scherzer Performance 

Scherzer’s preparation was key, as it always is in each of his starts. He starts with his visualization, goes into mechanical break-downs, and zones in mentally. This space allows him to correct his movements, balance and release points. 

The right-hander understood the lineup that he was working against and understood that his pitch placement would be key. Scherzer threw a total of 87 pitches, working 45 fastballs, 16 sliders, 15 change-ups, 10 curveballs, and 1 cutter. 

Scherzer gained velocity as he moved forward into his innings, seeing up to 96.5 mph on his fastball. His fastball command started rocky but improved over time. He stayed just above 50% on fastball usage, but worked counts with a lot of breaking options. 

Scherzer’s release point and mechanics were consistent and fluid. His curveball might have been his x-factor put-away pitch. He struck out four batters on the curveball which dropped to around 77.9 mph. 

The Zone, Placement, and Line

His pitch placement and zone was well worked, staying out of wheel houses. Scherzer stayed low and into the big-bats, and stayed high and away from the streaky guys. He threw 36 pitches in the strike zone and 51 pitches out of the strike zone. 43 of his pitches were taken by hitters, and 44 were swung at. 

He recorded 11 called strikes, 12 swinging strikes, 19 foul balls for strikes, 10 hit outs, 3 base hits, and a total of 32 balls, and 23 strikes with 32 contact. 

Scherzer went the mile, going 5 and 2 / 3 innings of work (well beyond the expected 3 clean innings), allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits, 4 walks, 5 strike outs, 87 pitches, and 55 strikes total. 

He was effective, staying consistent, composed, and executed well against a strong Mariners lineup.