Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers 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 Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory 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, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. 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 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 managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.