Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.