Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him 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 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. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.