KANSAS CITY -- Max Scherzer took the mound Friday night with an opportunity to pitch the Blue Jays into the postseason against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium , but it all unraveled in an instant.

The 473rd start of Scherzer’s MLB career was a candidate for his worst. The future Hall of Famer lasted just two-thirds of an inning, the shortest start of his career -- excluding an injury-shortened start in 2021 -- and allowed seven runs, tied for the most he’s given up in a single inning over his 18-year career.

The Royals were on top of Scherzer immediately, but the big blow came from Salvador Perez, who made it 5-0 with a three-run shot to right-center field. Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker had just been out to visit with Scherzer, a move that already drew jeers from the Royals’ fa

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