Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory 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 defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across 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.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
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 Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. 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.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.