Canadian MLB playoff news and notes - October 18

North Delta Blue Jays alum James Paxton (Ladner, BC) will get the start for the New York Yankees in the fifth game of their American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros tonight. Photo: USA Today Sports

October 18, 2019

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

- North Delta Blue Jays alum James Paxton (Ladner, BC) will make the biggest start of his major league career tonight when he gets the ball for the New York Yankees in Game 5 of their American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. The Astros beat the Yankees 8-3 last night to take a 3-1 lead in the best 4-out-of-7 showdown. So the Yankees will face elimination with Paxton on the mound tonight. The Canadian lefty has made two previous starts this post-season. He started the first game of the Bombers’ American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins and allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters. He also started Game 2 of the ALCS against the Astros, but lasted just 2 1/3 innings, giving up one run on four hits while issuing two walks. There were reports after that outing that Paxton was tipping his pitches. Paxton will go up against Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander tonight.

- With the Atlanta Braves eliminated in the National League Division Series by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this month, Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) was able to part with one of the gloves he used during his outstanding rookie season. He shipped this glove to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ont., where it will be added to their collection. In 29 starts for the Braves this season, Paxton posted a 13-4 record and a 2.68 ERA while striking out 142 batters in 175 innings. For his efforts, he has been named to Baseball America’s 2019 All-Rookie Team and is a finalist for the Players Choice National League Most Outstanding Rookie Award.

- Twenty-seven years ago today, Ed Sprague belted the biggest pinch-hit home run in Toronto Blue Jays history when, with the Blue Jays trailing 4-3, he clubbed a two-run shot off Atlanta Braves closer Jeff Reardon with one out in the top of the ninth inning in Game 2 of the 1992 World Series. The home run gave the Blue Jays a 5-4 lead. Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tom Henke came in in the bottom of the ninth to get the final three outs to secure the win for the Blue Jays.