Blue Jays pitchers work together to win ALCS
Global News
Surefire Hall of Famer Max Scherzer pulled Shane Bieber aside the night before Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to give him one simple piece of advice:
TORONTO – Surefire Hall of Famer Max Scherzer pulled Shane Bieber aside the night before Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to give him one simple piece of advice:
“Believe in everybody, because everybody believes in you.”
Bieber scattered seven hits over 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, but striking out five, as the Toronto Blue Jays rallied past the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Monday to advance to the World Series.
Relievers Louis Varland and Seranthony Dominguez followed Bieber to the mound but, in an unusual move, starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt came out of the bullpen for an inning each before closer Jeff Hoffman got the game’s final three outs.
“I’m grateful for each and every opportunity to go out there and take the ball for this club and these guys. Like, I’m so happy,” said Bieber as teammates, including Scherzer, poured beer over him in Toronto’s clubhouse. “I just knew every out was going to be a grind and you’d be able to pass the baton.
“What a statement for Gausman and Bassitt to come out like they did. I’m not surprised that they’re able to get the job done. Everybody believes in each other, man, and that’s what’s special about this group.”
Bieber started the season with the Cleveland Guardians but, thanks to Tommy John surgery in April 2024, he had not pitched a single inning this year. The Cy Young Award winner as the American League’s best pitcher in 2020 was traded to Toronto on July 31 for pitching prospect Khal Stephen.
The two-time all-star hadn’t completely recovered from the operation on his ulnar collateral ligament when he joined the Blue Jays, so he didn’t know what to expect.
