Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young 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 best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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 chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

Peter Sullivan
Peter Sullivan

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