Toronto One Step Away of Victory 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 Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
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 rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.