Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, 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 game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. 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 lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one 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.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went 0-for-4 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.