TORONTO — If you’ve never heard of Ryan Merritt, don’t worry, you’ll drive past the statue the next time you visit.
A 24-year-old left-hander with 11 previous innings of major league experience over four appearances, including only one start, Merritt was brilliant in his playoff debut Wednesday, leading Cleveland to its first pennant since 1997. A 3-0 victory over the Blue Jays wrapped up the American League Championship Series in five games — Toronto’s second straight year falling short in the round before the World Series.
Merritt, thrust into his first game since Sept. 30 because of injuries decimating Cleveland’s rotation, retired the first 10 batters he faced before Josh Donaldson singled to center field.