Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home 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 exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.