**Title: Blue Jays Dominate Mariners in Game 3 of ALCS**
The Toronto Blue Jays delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, defeating the Seattle Mariners 13-4 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This victory came after the Blue Jays struggled in the first two games of the series, where they failed to score in the final seven innings of each game.
The Blue Jays showcased their offensive power, scoring five runs in the third inning alone. They added one run in the fourth, two in the fifth, four in the sixth, and capped it off with one more in the ninth. This marked a significant turnaround from their previous games, where they managed just one hit in 14 innings combined.
Key contributions came from several players. Andres Gimenez hit an unexpected home run in the third inning, while George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. followed suit with home runs in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger also added to the home run tally, making it a total of five different players who went deep in the game.
Guerrero Jr., who had been hitless in the first two games, had a standout performance with four hits, reaching base five times and scoring three runs. His resurgence was crucial for the Blue Jays as they aimed to make the series competitive.
Shane Bieber, the starting pitcher, delivered a strong performance reminiscent of former Blue Jays pitcher Jimmy Key. After allowing two runs in the first inning, Bieber settled down, retiring 20 batters and striking out eight. His ability to navigate through the Mariners' lineup was instrumental in the Blue Jays' victory.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are set to face veteran pitcher Max Scherzer in Game 4. Despite concerns about Scherzer's recent performance, the team remains optimistic. Manager John Schneider expressed confidence in Scherzer, highlighting the respect and admiration the players have for him.
"All you have to do is spend some time in the Jays clubhouse to comprehend how much this Blue Jays team adores Scherzer," Schneider said.
The Blue Jays now face the challenge of winning three more games against a strong Mariners team in order to advance in the postseason. After their impressive Game 3 performance, the team feels more hopeful about their chances in the series.