Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

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

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, 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 a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Christina Williams
Christina Williams

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