Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot 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, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via 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 exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.