Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates 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 beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander 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 championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run 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 smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Renee Smith
Renee Smith

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