Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title 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 – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

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 managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

David Foley
David Foley

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