The American League Championship Series is down to a dramatic deadlock — the Blue Jays and Mariners are tied 2–2 heading into Game 5.
Seattle came out swinging early, grabbing a 2–0 lead in the series with a dazzling Game 2 showing. Jorge Polanco crushed a three-run homer that broke the game open, bolstered by big swings from Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor.
But Toronto struck back in spectacular fashion in Game 3, erupting for a blowout victory (13–4) to stave off elimination and shift momentum back to their side.
Most recently, Game 4 favored the visitors again: Max Scherzer delivered a vintage performance in his 500th career start — 5⅔ innings, two earned runs — guiding the Jays to an 8–2 win and leveling the series. Meanwhile, offensively, Toronto kept the pressure on via homers from Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Andres Giménez, each pivotal in the win.
Now, with the series tied and both clubs guaranteed more drama, Game 5 looms as a pivotal turning point. Seattle will counter with Bryce Miller (returning from relief duty) while the Jays roll out Kevin Gausman — the stage is set for an ALCS clash that could go either way.
