The 2025 World Series is returning to Toronto for Game 6, with no baseball scheduled for tonight. It will take some time to process Trey Yesavage’s remarkable achievement on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Blue Jays pitcher set a new MLB rookie postseason record by striking out 12 batters in over 100 pitches during his Game 5 performance at Dodger Stadium.
This feat surpassed a record that had stood since 1949 when Don Newcombe struck out 11 batters while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Notably, Yesavage is the first pitcher in MLB history to achieve 12 strikeouts in a World Series game without issuing any walks. Despite allowing a solo home run in the third inning, he maintained a flawless performance.
Additionally, Yesavage pitched for seven innings in Game 5, a significant accomplishment in the postseason. His strong performance contrasts with the series trend of short starts, except for Dodgers’ pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game in Game 2.
Yesavage’s rapid ascent to the majors is impressive, considering he was playing in the minor leagues just six weeks ago. Starting from low-A ball with the Dunedin Blue Jays in Florida, he quickly progressed through various minor league teams before joining the Toronto roster in mid-September. With only three career starts for the Jays before his historic playoff debut, Yesavage has showcased exceptional talent and determination.
Dubbed “The Cheat Code” by his former coach Shaun Vernesoni during his teenage years with the Keystone State Bombers in Pennsylvania, Yesavage’s success has translated to the highest level of the sport. His exceptional performance in the World Series has garnered praise and admiration from his coaches and teammates, highlighting his exceptional skills and dedication.
In Game 5, Yesavage set multiple records by inducing 23 swings and misses on 52 swings, the highest in a World Series game since tracking began. Facing formidable MVP-winning players like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, Yesavage displayed composure and mastery of his pitches, including a split-finger fastball and slider.
As the Blue Jays aim for their first World Series title since 1993, Yesavage’s outstanding pitching has been instrumental in their journey. The team is now one victory away from achieving this milestone, with Game 6 set to take place in Toronto. The anticipation is high as fans eagerly await the outcome at the Rogers Centre.