Does everyone know who Ryan Merritt is now?
Two days after Tito’s very subtle announcement that he would be pitching a potential clincher in Game 5, Merritt was absolutely masterful for 4 1/3 shutout innings as the Indians staked a lead that they would not relinquish on their way to clinching the American League pennant. For the sixth time in franchise history, the Indians will be playing in baseball’s World Series.
Who saw Ryan Merritt coming, though? Seriously? This is the guy who had one Major League start under his belt and a grand total of 11 innings in the big leagues.