Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, 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' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.