Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. 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.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
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 Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak 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.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home 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 managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.