Blue Jays Take Game Four from Mariners

Andres Gimenez of the Blue Jays running out a home run against the Mariners in Game Four of the 2025 ALCS in Seattle.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

October 16, 2025

ALCS: Blue Jays 8, Mariners 2

Max Scherzer threw nearly six innings of three-hit baseball, Andres Gimenez drove in four runs, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the host Seattle Mariners 8-2 Thursday night to tie the ALCS at 2-2.

Scherzer Avoids Trouble in First Inning

With two runners on, one out, and the dangerous Jorge Polanco at bat, things didn’t look promising for Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer. However, he got Polanco to ground into a double play, ending the first inning at 0-0.

Naylor Starts Scoring With Solo Shot

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Already with one home run this postseason, Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor lifted another over the wall in right-center field, putting the Mariners up 1-0 in the second inning. The 2025 postseason is now Naylor’s first postseason with multiple home runs.

Gimenez, Varsho Give Blue Jays Lead

Isiah Kiner-Falefa led off the third inning with a double before Andres Gimenez went deep for the second straight game. This gave the Blue Jays a 2-1 lead, their first of the game.

Mariners starter Luis Castillo retired the next batter before allowing three straight Blue Jays to reach base. This loaded the bases, but it also ended Castillo’s night. Gabe Speier replaced him, but he immediately allowed a walk to Daulton Varsho that scored Nathan Lukes and put the Blue Jays up 3-1.

Springer Adds RBI Extra-Base Hit

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In the fourth inning, George Springer dropped an RBI double into left field, scoring Kiner-Falefa from second base and extending the Blue Jays’ lead to three runs. Springer then scored on a wild pitch from Mariners reliever Matt Brash to put the Blue Jays up 5-1.

Mariners Get One Back

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Eugenio Suarez lined an RBI single into right field. This scored Jorge Polanco, and it represented Suarez’s fourth consecutive game with a hit.

Guerrero Homers Again

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In the top of the seventh inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went deep for the fifth time this postseason, giving the Blue Jays a 6-2 lead. His five home runs are the most this postseason.

Gimenez Tacks on Insurance Runs

With two RBI on the night, Gimenez doubled his total with a two-run single in the eighth inning. It scored Ernie Clement and Myles Straw and put the Blue Jays up 8-2.

What Went Right For Blue Jays

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After being left off the Blue Jays’ ALDS roster, Max Scherzer made his first postseason start of 2025. Few knew what to expect, but Scherzer reminded everyone just how talented he is. The three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed two runs on three hits while striking out five.

The Blue Jays’ relief corps also dominated, as the oft-inconsistent group allowed no runs on two hits in over three innings.

What Went Wrong For Blue Jays

The Blue Jays fell behind first for the third consecutive game. They’ve been able to dig themselves out of early holes, but that trend likely isn’t sustainable.

What Went Right For Mariners

Josh Naylor, one of the Mariners’ prized trade-deadline acquisitions, continued to rake on Thursday. After recording three hits in game four, Naylor has four games this postseason with three hits.

What Went Wrong For Mariners

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The top four hitters in the Mariners’ order went a combined 0-for-13 on Thursday night. If the Mariners hope to advance to the Fall Classic, the top of their order can’t let that happen again.

Luis Castillo also failed to make it out of the third inning, registering his shortest career postseason outing.

Manager Reactions

After an excellent performance on the mound, Blue Jays manager John Schneider gave Max Scherzer his flowers postgame. “He lives for this,” said Schneider in the postgame press conference. “You have to respect that, and you have to appreciate that.”

After a second straight loss, Mariners manager Dan Wilson shifted his focus to Friday. “Tomorrow, we have a chance to bounce back,” said Wilson in the postgame press conference. “That’s where our focus is going forward.”

Next Matchup

With the series tied 2-2, the Mariners will host Game Five Friday at 6:08 p.m. Eastern/3:08 pm Pacific. Kevin Gausman will make his second start of the series for the Blue Jays, as will Bryce Miller for the Mariners.