Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – 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 gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.