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Trey Savage's historic performance as a rookie pitcher is a highlight. In Game 5, he became the first in postseason history to record multiple 10-plus strikeout games as a rookie, striking out 12 without issuing a walk. His debut across multiple levels—rising from Single A to starting in a crucial World Series game—showed that exceptional pitching can come from unexpected places and youth should not be underestimated.
The contrast between the Blue Jays and Dodgers emphasizes that dominant pitching—especially from young or unexpected sources—is often the key to winning playoff games. This understanding is vital. The Dodgers, despite their postseason experience and star power, struggled against a young star like Savage, whose command and ability to close out batters proved decisive.