Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. 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 early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.