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 Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.