Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
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 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 seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
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. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, 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 runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.