The Toronto Blue Jays moved within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993 with a 6–1 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 on Wednesday night. The win gives Toronto a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with two games now scheduled at Rogers Centre.
Rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage delivered a masterpiece, striking out 12 without walking a batter while permitting just one run and three hits over seven innings. The 22-year-old, who made his major league debut in September, became the first pitcher in World Series history to fan 12 without issuing a walk, setting a rookie record along the way.
The Blue Jays seized control immediately. On the first pitch of the game from Blake Snell, Davis Schneider launched a 97mph fastball over the left-field wall, and two pitches later Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered to nearly the same spot. It was the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game.
Yesavage then dominated, striking out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings. Kiké Hernández ended that streak with a solo home run in the third to cut the deficit to 2–1, but Los Angeles could not get closer. The Dodgers, who scored six runs in Monday's 18-inning marathon, have managed only four runs across the past 29 innings.
Toronto extended their lead in the fourth when Daulton Varsho tripled after a misplay by Teoscar Hernández and Ernie Clement followed with a sacrifice fly. Snell was lifted in the seventh after loading the bases on 109 pitches, with both inherited runners scoring to make it 5–1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa added a single in the eighth for the final margin.
Seranthony Domínguez and Jeff Hoffman each pitched a scoreless inning to close out the game, preserving Yesavage's effort. “Crazy world,” Yesavage said. “Hollywood couldn’t have made it this good.” Toronto manager John Schneider said he was “blown away” by the rookie's performance. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night at Rogers Centre.
