Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in 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. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series 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 turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record 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. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.