Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat 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 only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. 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.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run 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.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter 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 persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.