Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. 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 bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

Caleb Garcia
Caleb Garcia

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