Toronto On the Brink 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past 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 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 drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.