Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers 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 Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.
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 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.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, 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 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 bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.