Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. 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 provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. 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 single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.