Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. 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 championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. 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 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, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in 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 extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

Jeffrey Barron
Jeffrey Barron

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.