Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via 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.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Carly Rojas
Carly Rojas

A passionate food writer and local guide with years of experience exploring Florence's culinary scene.