A most unlikely pitching performance helped put a most unexpected team into the World Series. Rookie Ryan Merritt coolly delivered a lead to the Andrew Miller-led bullpen and the Cleveland Indians won their first pennant since 1997, blanking Toronto 3-0 Wednesday in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series. Then it was up to Cleveland’s tireless relievers to hold a three-run lead against the wild-card Blue Jays. The Indians stayed on a roll in the ALCS, shutting down the banging Blue Jays. A day after Toronto averted a sweep, the crowd at the roaring Rogers Centre expected the Blue Jays to roll over the rookie.

Source: The Guardian October 19, 2016 23:08 UTC