Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 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.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.