Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, 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 struggled to get going. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.