Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher 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 championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, 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 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 starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape 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 extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.