Millennial Merritt puts the boots to veteran Bautista

Ryan Merritt's boots remained steady in Game 5 of the ALCS between the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays.

Jays slugger's 'shaking in his boots' comment comes back to haunt him

Caroline Szwed CBC Sports Posted: Oct 19, 2016 6:46 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 20, 2016

Cleveland Indians' Ryan Merritt remained unshaken in his boots in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. (@Indians / Twitter)

Clevelandstarting pitcherRyan Merritt's boots remained steady in Game 5 of the ALCSagainst theToronto Blue Jays.

Prior to Wednesday night's game, Jose Bautistachallenged the 24-year-old rookie,saying"he's going to be shaking in his boots."

Bautista'scomments quickly came back to haunt him as the rookie went1-2-3 in the firstinning against Bautista, JoshDonaldson and EdwinEncarnacion.

First round to Merritt:

@JeffPassan Here's that 69mph Curveball from Merritt to Jose Bautista for reference pic.twitter.com/dcqGoec0WY
—@ThePitcherList

Who's shaking in their boots now? Bautista grounds out to third. First round to Merritt. @wkyc @Indians #RallyTogether
—@johnWKYC

Pretty calm first inning for Ryan Merritt.

Jays go 5-3, 4-3 and strikeout. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/PKs5ufGIIS
—@Indians

Not a great way for Bautista, who turned 36 Wednesday,to spend a birthday.

Considerate as ever, the 24-year-old pitcher had a present in mind for Joey Bats: throwing mesmerizing stuff that didn't go over 90 mph.

Merritt proves you don't have to throw 90+ to be effective. Just have good stuff and hit your spots
—@STB_11

There goes Ryan Merritt, dropping in 71-mph curves and freezing a couple more hitters on 86/87 pitches.
—@RyanLewisABJ

The kid remained cool throughout the game and proved that Bautista's trash talk only fuelled his fire. Fans took every opportunity to make reference to Merritt and his unshaken boots.

Hats off to Merritt. The kid did his job. Bautista way to back up your BS talk. Now #BlueJays let's light up their pen #GoJaysGo #OurMoment
—@kdog_NL

What a performance from Ryan Merritt. Jose Bautista looks like a fool once again.
—@NewYorker_94

Update on Ryan Merritt's boots. pic.twitter.com/G9KV5BTj74
—@NEOSportsInside

If you haven't been following Cleveland'sTwitter account throughout the ALCS, you've been missing out. It only took the team moments to capitalize on Bautista's comment:

Rogers Centre was shaking there, but Merritt induces a double play. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/tEKqNcHqTl
—@Indians

Bautista was unable to connect on any ofMerritt's pitches.

4.1 innings, two singles allowed.

Ryan Merritt=King in The North? #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/GgSvAf7isD
—@Indians

Merritt'steammates put their best foot forward and stepped up to support their pitcher.

What a game by my boy Merritt! Easily should still be pitching though, lets do it pen!
—@AustinAdams49

Shakin' in his boots pic.twitter.com/jYr6W4N6Xt
—@CKluber

Happy birthday! Headed to the World Series!! #LetsGoTribe !!!! pic.twitter.com/wIf35qt2zK
—@BauerOutage

And with Cleveland's Game 5 win,Merritt's boots will nowbe walking all theway to the World Series.

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Millennial Merritt puts the boots to veteran Bautista

Jays slugger's 'shaking in his boots' comment comes back to haunt him

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