Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames 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 Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer 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 tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

George Smith
George Smith

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