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

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

Daniel Arias
Daniel Arias

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