Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, 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 almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.