Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.