Why it's only fitting Kevin Gausman gets the ball for Game 6 vs Dodgers

The ace looks to get it done
World Series - Kevin Gausman - Game Two
World Series - Kevin Gausman - Game Two | Vaughn Ridley/GettyImages

After a heartbreaking 18-inning loss in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays showed their resiliency. The Blue Jays won Game 4 and Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. One more win, and the Blue Jays will be crowned 2025 World Series champions.

After Trey Yesavage solidified himself in World Series history with his historic Game 5 start on Wednesday night the series is coming back to Toronto. In Game 6, the Blue Jays will be back home at Rogers Centre, and it's only fitting that Kevin Gausman gets the ball with the chance to finish the series.

The ace must finish the job against Los Angeles

Since joining the Blue Jays in 2022, Gausman has been relied upon as their number one guy. In his four years in Toronto, Guasman has accumulated 11.2 bWAR, throwing 125 regular season games, with a 3.48 ERA in 733.2 innings pitched with 793 strikeouts. During the 2025 regular season, Gausman was by far the Blue Jays best starter. Gausman pitched the most innings (193) and recorded the team's best ERA (3.59) as well as the most strikeouts (155) and quality starts (16).

Gausman continued his momentum from the regular season into the 2025 postseason with a strong Game 1 start against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Even with the Blue Jays losing Game 1 and Game 5 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, Gausman pitched 5.2 innings in each start and did enough during his outing to give Toronto a chance to win. Gausman then delivered big in Game 7 of the series, pitching one inning of relief.

In Game 2 of the World Series against the Dodgers, Gausman pitched a quality start, but earned the loss. He went 6.2 innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits, including two home runs in the top of the seventh that was more than enough for his counterpart, Yoshinobu Yamamoto to work with in a complete game effort.

Now, Gausman has a chance to redeem himself with the opportunity to be on the mound to start Game 6 with the Blue Jays needing just one win to clinch their third World Series championship.

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