Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher 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 championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third 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 bring him home for a three to one 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 Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Amber Miller
Amber Miller

A passionate nutritionist and food blogger dedicated to promoting wellness through fresh, sustainable eating habits.