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 launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, 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 inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. 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 concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.