Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 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 – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, 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 managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, 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.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

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

Ms. Angela Friedman
Ms. Angela Friedman

A seasoned entrepreneur and startup advisor with over a decade of experience in tech innovation and business scaling.