Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

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 first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record 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 inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

Mariah Oliver
Mariah Oliver

A passionate local guide with over 10 years of experience sharing Turin's hidden gems and stories.