Toronto 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 defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third 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 defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, 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 was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, 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 found little traction. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.