Toronto On the Brink 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 defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – 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. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, 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 Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.