Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory 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 beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, 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, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. 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 solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames 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 relievers finished the job. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record 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 opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.