Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers 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 beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – 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 last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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 return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

Natalie Douglas
Natalie Douglas

A seasoned product reviewer with a passion for uncovering the best gadgets and gear for everyday life.