Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames 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 six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth 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 end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their key batter went 0-for-4 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 return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.