Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.

Adrian Mann
Adrian Mann

A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on living a vibrant and fulfilling life through personal stories and expert tips.