Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates 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 topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

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 first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic 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 second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.