Rookie starting pitcher Trey Yesavage has taken the baseball world by storm, just over a month into his Major League career. His remarkable performance in Game 5 propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving Toronto a 3-2 lead in the World Series. This former first-round pick from the 2024 MLB Draft showcased his talent with an impressive 12 strikeouts, breaking the rookie record for the most strikeouts in a World Series start, a record previously held by Don Newcombe since 1949.
Yesavage’s dominance on the mound was evident as he struck out five consecutive Dodgers batters at one point, marking the most consecutive strikeouts by a rookie in World Series history. The 22-year-old pitcher, who honed his skills at East Carolina University, began the season in the lowest tier of the minor leagues, specifically Single-A, before making his MLB debut in September. His only blemish in an otherwise stellar outing came in the third inning when Enrique “Kike” Hernández hit a home run, allowing the Dodgers to score their only run. Yesavage limited the Dodgers to just three hits and did not issue any walks throughout the game.
After the game, Yesavage expressed his disbelief at his rapid rise from the minors to the majors, describing it as a “crazy world.” He stated, “Hollywood couldn’t have made it this good. So just being a part of this, I’m just very blessed.” He further mentioned that he has not yet had the opportunity to fully appreciate the incredible journey he has undertaken, indicating his desire to reflect on the past year during the upcoming offseason.
While Blue Jays manager John Schneider humorously referred to Yesavage’s start as “pretty good,” it was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts who provided a more in-depth analysis and praise for the young rookie. Roberts noted Yesavage's poise and athleticism, stating, “There’s no panic. As you said, there’s a lot of poise. And you got to tip your cap to him.” His performance in both Game 1 and Game 5 on the road was especially impressive, showcasing his ability to handle pressure in critical moments.
The Blue Jays' offense was equally impressive, playing a crucial role in securing the victory. As fans settled into their seats at Dodger Stadium on a lovely Wednesday evening, the Blue Jays wasted no time putting runs on the board. Outfielder Davis Schneider hit the first pitch from Dodgers starter Blake Snell for a home run, igniting the crowd. The very next at-bat saw slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. follow suit with another solo shot, making it a quick 2-0 lead for Toronto and leaving Los Angeles fans in shock. This marked the first instance in World Series history of back-to-back leadoff home runs.
Further extending their lead, Ernie Clement brought in Toronto’s third run with a sacrifice fly, scoring Daulton Varsho in the fourth inning. Just when it seemed that two-time Cy Young Award winner Snell had found his rhythm, the seventh inning proved to be his downfall. Snell was pulled after throwing 116 pitches and allowing two baserunners. Reliever Edgardo Henriquez then allowed two additional runs due to a wild pitch and a single from Bo Bichette, solidifying Toronto’s lead.
Adding insurance, Isiah Kiner-Falefa contributed an RBI single in the eighth inning. Closing pitcher Jeff Hoffman came in to finish the game as the Fall Classic now shifts to Toronto for Game 6 on Friday, with the Blue Jays just one win away from clinching their first title in 32 years.
