UPDATE: In a stunning performance, Trey Yesavage struck out a record 12 batters in the World Series, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 on July 15, 2025. This pivotal win moves the Blue Jays just one game away from their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage, a remarkable 22-year-old rookie, set a new World Series record for strikeouts by a rookie, surpassing the previous mark of 11 set by Don Newcombe in 1949. The young right-hander displayed exceptional control, allowing only three hits over seven innings, and becoming the first pitcher in World Series history to achieve 12 strikeouts without a walk.
The Blue Jays took an explosive lead right from the start, with Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting back-to-back home runs on the first and third pitches from Dodgers’ starter Blake Snell. This marked the first time consecutive homers opened a World Series game, electrifying the crowd of 52,175 fans at Dodger Stadium.
Yesavage’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He induced 23 swing-and-misses, the most in a Series game since pitch tracking began in 2008, showcasing his dominance on the mound. “Just need to get in the strike zone,” Yesavage stated in a post-game interview with Fox. “When three of my pitches are in the strike zone… I’m in control.”
The Dodgers struggled offensively, managing only four runs in their last 29 innings and dropping to a dismal .202 batting average in the Series. Manager Dave Roberts attempted to shake things up by moving star player Mookie Betts down the batting order and benching outfielder Andy Pages, but the changes failed to ignite the lineup.
As the series heads into Game 6, the Blue Jays will have an opportunity to dethrone the defending champions at the Rogers Centre on Friday night. Yesavage’s extraordinary performance has made him a key player to watch, and the Blue Jays are poised to capitalize on their momentum.
The Dodgers will counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Blue Jays send Kevin Gausman to the mound, hoping to clinch the title. The stakes have never been higher, as no team has won consecutive titles since the New York Yankees did so from 1998 to 2000.
As excitement builds, fans eagerly await what could be a historic night for the Toronto Blue Jays. Will they secure their first championship in over three decades? Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds.
