Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5

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

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on 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 received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.