Toronto Blue Jays on the cusp of first World Series title since 1993

The GIST: Just like that, the Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from their first World Series pennant since 1993, opening up a 3-2 series lead over the juggernaut LA Dodgers with Wednesday’s convincing 6–1 Game 5 win.

• Let’s separate the tricks from the treats: Can the Jays clinch the title at home tonight at 8 p.m. ET, or will the Dodgers force a championship-deciding Game 7 tomorrow at the same time? Trade your candy for Cracker Jacks, let’s dig into each team’s keys to victory.

🐦 Blue Jays’ bats have been red-hot: This group of uncommon men is powered by more than friendship — their offense has been lights-out this postseason. The Jays have outscored LA by 11 runs in the World Series, fueled by ALCS MVP Vladdy Guerrero Jr., who’s crushed a franchise-record eight postseason homers. Worth every penny.

• But they weren’t able to figure out Dodgers hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who limited the blue birds to just one run in Game 2 while pitching a complete game — his second of the postseason. Notably, the Japanese superstar is back on the mound in Game 6.

💙 Dodgers need a wake-up call: Speaking of silenced bats, LA’s offense is struggling. One of MLB’s most intimidating (and expensive) rosters has managed just 37 hits in five games compared to the Jays’ 53, and they’ll be up against one of Toronto’s best pitchers, Kevin Gausman, in Game 6. On the brink of elimination, Yamamoto’s arm won’t be enough — run support is non-negotiable.

☝️ One more thing: What Blue Jays rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage has done this postseason is simply spectacular, from his record-breaking 12 strikeouts in Game 5 to the fact that the sport’s most elite hitters — Dodger Shohei Ohtani, Seattle Mariner Cal Raleigh, and NY Yankee Aaron Judge — are a combined 0-for-10 against the 22-year-old.

• Yesavage’s journey this year is even more mind-boggling: He started the season in the minor leagues’ lowest level. Called up to the majors last month, he's made more big-league starts in the playoffs (five) than in the regular season (three). And that’s how legends are made.