Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage proves he is built for the big moments

Considering he made just three starts before appearing in a postseason game, it makes sense that nerves and doubt may filter in with the 22-year-old taking the mound. However, when the dust settled, it was one of the most impressive appearances in franchise postseason history from a starting pitcher.

Yesavage started the contest by striking out three of the four batters he faced, with an Aaron Judge walk being his only blemish in the first inning. Fast forward to the sixth inning, and Yesavage left the game to a curtain call from the Jays faithful, with the starter logging 5 1/3 innings and 11 strikeouts, giving up zero hits in his first postseason start. His 11 punchouts set a franchise record for postseason K’s, and he kept the Yankees bats at bay for the majority of the outing, striking out six batters in a row at one point in the game.

It was one of the most dominant starts in postseason history for a Blue Jays pitcher, and set the stage for the Blue Jays to not only get ahead in the game, but also the series. The bats gave him the support he needed, putting up 12 runs before he was lifted in the sixth inning, and he left with a no-hitter intact (before Justin Bruihl ruined it a few batters later).

Overall, it was a risky gamble to have a rookie pitcher start an ALDS game against a potent offensive lineup such as the Yankees, but Yesavage was able to use his fastball, splitter, and slider effectively to keep the bats off balance.

Yesavage might not have the most experience in the big leagues, but he showcased what he can do when the lights shine the brightest on the big league stage.