Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory 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 Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher 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.

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 sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Amy Alexander
Amy Alexander

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing knowledge on software development and life hacks.