Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández 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 tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.