Kevin Gausman got off to a blistering hot start in Game 6 of the World Series.
The right-handed splitter specialist struck out the side in the first inning and six of the first seven Los Angeles Dodgers he faced, but eventually ran into trouble in the third.
The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher ultimately allowed three runs on three hits and two walks – all in the third inning – and struck out a post-season high eight batters over six innings.
The 34-year-old also threw 93 pitches, more than any previous October outing.
After cruising through the first two innings, Gausman threw a fastball down the pipe that Tommy Edman turned around for a double. Blue Jays manager John Schneider proceeded to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani and RBI base hits from Will Smith and Mookie Betts put the Dodgers up 3-0.
But aside from the one turbulent frame, Gausman was perfect, retiring six straight Dodgers to start the game and nine consecutive before being lifted.
In the first, Gausman threw 11 splitters, inducing eight swings and seven whiffs. He started off the outing by striking out Ohtani with a well-executed split down-and-away.
Louis Varland replaced Gausman on the mound to start the seventh, tying Brandon Morrow and Paul Assenmacher for the single post-season record with his 14th relief appearance.
