Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot 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 smacked a triple to right field after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown

A seasoned travel writer and tech enthusiast, passionate about sustainable tourism and digital nomad lifestyles.