Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. 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 the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.

Christine Boyle
Christine Boyle

A certified nutritionist and wellness coach passionate about helping others achieve balance through natural health practices.