Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5

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

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins 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 sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a home run 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 smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run 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 Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled 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 setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Christopher Olson
Christopher Olson

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and sharing knowledge to inspire others.