Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark 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, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home 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.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter 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 the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, 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 couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.

Lisa Pacheco
Lisa Pacheco

A certified accountant with over 10 years of experience in financial consulting and digital finance trends.