Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames 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, needing just one more triumph of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches 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 the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to score him 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 was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record 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 Rogers Centre.

William Park
William Park

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.