From Greenville to Game 7: Trey Yesavage’s World Series Magic Continues

It’s been a week to remember for former East Carolina pitcher Trey Yesavage, who has gone from college standout to World Series hero in just over a year.

In Game 5, the rookie right-hander delivered one of the greatest pitching performances in Fall Classic history, striking out 12 batters across seven innings as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 to take a 3–2 series lead.

Yesavage set an MLB rookie record with those 12 strikeouts and became the first pitcher in World Series history to record 12 K’s without issuing a single walk. The only blemish came on a solo home run by Kiké Hernández in the third inning. Beyond that, he was completely untouchable.

He even joined Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers to strike out 10 through the first five innings of a World Series start, elite company for a 22-year-old who had pitched at ECU just the previous spring.

Yesavage struck out every hitter in the Dodgers’ lineup at least once, including Freddie Freeman twice, and embarrassed Shohei Ohtani with a wicked splitter that made the MVP’s helmet fly off. His fastball, splitter, and slider all clicked in perfect rhythm, leaving Dodgers hitters guessing all night.

“(It was) just my belief,” Yesavage told FOX after the game. “Believing in myself, belief in my teammates, believing in (Alejandro Kirk) behind the plate. And believing in God. He looked over me today.”

And if that wasn’t sweet enough for Pirate fans, fellow ECU alum Jeff Hoffman slammed the door in the ninth inning, recording the final three outs to seal the win. Two former Pirates, one starting, one finishing, combined for a moment that will live forever in ECU baseball lore.

Regardless of what happens next, Game 5 cemented Yesavage as a World Series legend. But the story isn’t over yet.

Game 7 Awaits

The Dodgers fought back with a win in Game 6, forcing one final showdown tonight — Game 7 of the World Series. It’s winner-take-all under the bright lights in Los Angeles.

Toronto manager John Schneider hasn’t ruled out using Yesavage in relief, even on short rest. The rookie threw 101 pitches just three nights ago, but if the Blue Jays need an inning or two of dominance, there’s little doubt Yesavage will be ready.

Meanwhile, Hoffman, the Blue Jays’ trusted bullpen ace, will once again be available in the late innings, looking to record another high-pressure save to bring home the championship.

The Dodgers, led by Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, still boast the most dangerous lineup in baseball. But this Toronto team has built its playoff run on resilience and trust, the same qualities Yesavage and Hoffman embodied during their days in Greenville.

From Clark-LeClair Stadium to Dodger Stadium, it’s been a meteoric rise for both Pirates.

Win or lose tonight, ECU fans can take pride knowing two of their own have become the heart and soul of a World Series contender.

And as Game 7 looms, one question remains:
Can Trey Yesavage and Jeff Hoffman deliver one more unforgettable Pirate moment and bring the trophy home to Toronto?