Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning 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 misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their top hitter 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 up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.