Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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 jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, 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 was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – 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 received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.