Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers 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 topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. 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.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
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 plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings 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 push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.