Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory 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 Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

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

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. 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, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Elizabeth Gutierrez
Elizabeth Gutierrez

Tech career coach with over a decade of experience in software development and mentoring professionals to achieve their career goals.