Blue Jays One Step Away 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 Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones

A writer and folklorist with a passion for reimagining dark fairy tales and exploring the shadows of classic stories.