Toronto One Step Away of Victory 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 six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young 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 began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape 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 single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.