Trey Yesavage Sets Toronto Blue Jays Strikeout Record in MLB Debut, Blue Jays Edge Rays 2-1 in 11 Innings

Monday, September 15th, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays Edge Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 in Extra Innings

The Toronto Blue Jays secured a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in an 11-inning thriller, extending their winning streak to five games and building a five-game lead in the AL East.

Trey Yesavage Sets Franchise Record in Debut

Rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage made a memorable major league debut for the Blue Jays. The 22-year-old, selected 20th overall in last year's draft, struck out nine Rays batters—a new Toronto record for a debut. Yesavage pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while throwing 49 of his 69 pitches for strikes. He elevated his fastball to an average of 94.6 mph and mixed in 19 splitters and 18 sliders, with six of his strikeouts coming on splitters and 19 total swings and misses.

Yesavage overcame a rocky start after allowing a leadoff single to Chandler Simpson and an RBI double to Yandy Díaz in the first inning. He rebounded to retire 15 of his next 18 batters, including striking out the side in the fourth inning. His strong performance drew emotional support from family and friends in attendance.

Game Decided in the 11th Inning

The pivotal moment of the game came in the 11th inning, when George Springer delivered a clutch two-out, two-strike single off Kevin Kelly to break the 1-1 tie and give Toronto the lead. The Blue Jays improved their remarkable extra-inning record to 10-4 this season.

Braydon Fisher Secures the Win

Blue Jays rookie Braydon Fisher earned the win by pitching two scoreless innings. In the bottom of the 11th, after Yandy Díaz's leadoff single put runners on the corners, Fisher responded by striking out Brandon Lowe, Junior Caminero, and Josh Lowe to escape the jam. This dominant relief performance capped an 18-strikeout night for the Rays’ offense, their most strikeouts in a game since August 2019.

Other Game Highlights

Ernie Clement contributed with a double in the seventh inning and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Andrés Giménez, helping to tie the game. Rays starter Joe Boyle allowed only three hits over six strong innings. Despite Díaz collecting three hits—bringing his career total to 870 and tying him for fifth in Rays history—the Rays were unable to capitalize and have now lost eight of their last ten games, falling further behind in the playoff hunt.

Attendance and Ballpark Note

The game drew 8,972 fans to the Rays’ temporary ballpark at Steinbrenner Field, marking their 17th non-sellout in 75 games this season.

Up Next

The series continues as Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos (9-5, 3.99 ERA) faces Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (11-10, 3.59 ERA) on Tuesday night.

In summary

The Toronto Blue Jays continued their hot streak with a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighted by Trey Yesavage’s record-setting debut and George Springer’s game-winning single in extra innings. Braydon Fisher’s clutch relief work, including three key strikeouts, helped preserve the victory as the Rays’ postseason hopes dimmed further. The Blue Jays now look to build on their division lead when the series resumes.

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