Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings 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 push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.