Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.