Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats 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 up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.