Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first title since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

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 rookie right-hander 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 championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.