Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Dodgers in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
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 pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger 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 Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.