Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match

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

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 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps 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 rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.