Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
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 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 first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, 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, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record 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 the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record 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. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.