Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title 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 – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, 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 jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac 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 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 became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.