Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. 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 solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.