As the 2025 World Series shifts back to Toronto for Game 6 on Friday, there won’t be any baseball action tonight. This break is much needed after witnessing Trey Yesavage’s remarkable performance in Game 5 on Wednesday. The 22-year-old pitcher for the Blue Jays set a new MLB record for rookies in the post-season by striking out 12 batters with just over 100 pitches at Dodger Stadium.
This achievement surpassed the previous record set in 1949 by Don Newcombe, who struck out 11 players while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Yesavage’s feat is even more impressive as he is the first pitcher in MLB history to record 12 strikeouts in a World Series game without issuing any walks, with the only run against him being a solo home run in the third inning.
Yesavage pitched for seven innings in Game 5, a remarkable accomplishment in the post-season where starting pitchers have struggled to last long. Since the start of the World Series, he has pitched a total of 11 innings after a three-inning appearance in Game 1.
What makes Yesavage’s story even more incredible is his rapid rise in the baseball ranks. Just six weeks ago, he was playing in the minor leagues. Starting from low-A ball for the Dunedin Blue Jays in Florida, he quickly progressed through various minor league teams before earning a spot in Toronto’s roster in mid-September. Despite only having three starts for the Jays before the playoffs, Yesavage has made a significant impact.
Yesavage’s former coach, Shaun Vernesoni, nicknamed him “The Cheat Code” during his teenage years playing for the Keystone State Bombers in Pennsylvania due to his consistent winning performances. His transition to the major leagues has been seamless, with his minor league success paving the way for his historic playoff debut.
In Game 5, Yesavage set multiple records, inducing 23 swings and misses on 52 swings, the highest in a World Series game since tracking began. He struck out every MVP award-winning player in the Dodgers lineup, showcasing his dominance against some of the league’s best hitters.
As the Blue Jays aim for their first World Series title since 1993, Yesavage’s exceptional performance has been a key factor in their success. The team is now just one win away from achieving this milestone, with Game 6 set to take place in Toronto. Manager John Schneider expressed excitement about the home crowd support for the upcoming game at Rogers Centre.
