Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. 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.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. 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, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, 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 couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via 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 received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. 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 the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.