Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series 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 rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, 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 became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger 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 Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.