Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

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 sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run 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 battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their star slugger 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.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Courtney Payne
Courtney Payne

A digital designer and tech enthusiast passionate about sharing innovative web solutions and trends.