Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Game 5

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.

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. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before HernÃĄndez ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.

Heather Martinez
Heather Martinez

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing actionable insights and trends.