Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one 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 debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. 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.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.

Michael Nelson
Michael Nelson

Experienced journalist specializing in political and economic news with a passion for investigative reporting.