Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins 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 drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.