Toronto One Step Away of Victory 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 Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot 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, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter 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 was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.