Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage 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 topped the Dodgers six to one 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 made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. 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 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 defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice 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 managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Deborah Brooks
Deborah Brooks

A passionate writer and home enthusiast sharing insights on decor and travel from across the UK.