### Blue Jays Surge Ahead in World Series with Historic Performance by Rookie Yesavage The Toronto Blue Jays have taken a pivotal 3-2 lead in the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks to an outstanding performance by rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage. In Game 5, Yesavage set a new World Series rookie record with 12 strikeouts, leading the Blue Jays to a commanding 6-1 victory. This win places Toronto just one game away from clinching their first championship since 1993. The game opened with back-to-back home runs from Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., marking the first time consecutive homers have started a World Series game. Yesavage's remarkable journey from pitching in Class A to dominating in the World Series has captivated fans and analysts alike, as he broke the previous rookie record of 11 strikeouts set by Don Newcombe in 1949 [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-score-yesavage-6fb8f63ff7e1cc97ac1f51bd92ff5e25]. ### Breakdown of the World Series Progression 1. **Game 4 Recap**: - The Blue Jays evened the series at 2-2 with a 6-2 victory over the Dodgers, powered by Guerrero's two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani and a strong pitching performance from Shane Bieber [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-shohei-ohtani-40291c13e8e7646f5ced2ea582c927a4]. - This win was crucial after the Blue Jays suffered an exhausting 18-inning loss in Game 3, showcasing their resilience [https://www.adn.com/sports/national-sports/2025/10/29/ohtani-has-off-night-in-two-way-world-series-debut-as-blue-jays-defeat-dodgers]. 2. **Game 5 Highlights**: - Yesavage's record-setting performance included 12 strikeouts, surpassing the previous rookie record [https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/10/29/blue-jays-yesavage-sets-rookie-record-for-strikeouts-in-world-series-game]. - The Blue Jays' offense was explosive, starting with back-to-back home runs, a first in World Series history [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-score-yesavage-6fb8f63ff7e1cc97ac1f51bd92ff5e25]. 3. **Upcoming Games**: - The Blue Jays can clinch the championship in Game 6 at Rogers Centre, with the next game scheduled for Friday night [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-score-yesavage-6fb8f63ff7e1cc97ac1f51bd92ff5e25]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Game 4 Performance**: - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer, contributing to a total of 6 runs for the Blue Jays [https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3330715/world-series-game-4-blue-jays-tied-dodgers-after-guerrero-jnrs-two-run-homer]. - Shane Bieber pitched effectively, allowing only 2 runs and striking out several batters [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3381271/vladdy-powers-blue-jays-to-game-4-win-over-dodgers]. - **Game 5 Statistics**: - Yesavage's 12 strikeouts set a new record for World Series rookies, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential [https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/10/29/blue-jays-yesavage-sets-rookie-record-for-strikeouts-in-world-series-game]. - The Blue Jays' back-to-back home runs marked a historic moment in World Series history [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-score-yesavage-6fb8f63ff7e1cc97ac1f51bd92ff5e25]. ### Conclusion: Blue Jays on the Brink of Glory The Toronto Blue Jays have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the 2025 World Series title, driven by the remarkable performances of their rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage and star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The series has showcased the resilience and talent of the Blue Jays, especially after bouncing back from a tough Game 3 loss. With a 3-2 lead, they are now just one win away from securing their first championship in over three decades. 1. **Historic Performance**: Yesavage's 12 strikeouts set a new rookie record. 2. **Offensive Power**: Back-to-back home runs in Game 5 highlight the team's offensive capabilities. 3. **Next Steps**: The Blue Jays aim to clinch the title in Game 6 at home, with momentum on their side [https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-blue-jays-score-yesavage-6fb8f63ff7e1cc97ac1f51bd92ff5e25].