Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates 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 defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.