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

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

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 three to one 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.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.