Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers 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 Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old 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 began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández 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, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter 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 Dodgers starter 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 one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled 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 Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas

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