Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single 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 started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. 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 consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer 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 inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, 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 became full. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.