Blue Jays Edge Closer to World Series Glory with Dominant Win
LOS ANGELES – In a stunning display of skill, Toronto Blue Jays rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage set a new World Series record by striking out 12 batters, leading his team to a 6-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5. This victory places the Blue Jays just one win away from their first championship since 1993.
Early Fireworks Set the Tone
Right from the start, Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched consecutive home runs off Blake Snell’s initial pitches, marking the first time a World Series game began with back-to-back homers. Yesavage, a 22-year-old sensation, took control from there.
Yesavage’s Record-Breaking Performance
Yesavage, who started the season in Class A, dazzled with a mix of a sinking splitter, a spinning slider, and a powerful fastball, silencing the Dodgers’ bats and the crowd of 52,175. He surpassed Don Newcombe’s 1949 rookie record of 11 strikeouts, achieving 12 without issuing a single walk.
“I’m amazed by his performance,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays, rebounding from a tough Game 3 loss, now lead the series 3-2 and aim to clinch the title at home on Friday night.
Dodgers Struggle to Find Answers
Despite Kiké Hernández’s solo home run narrowing the gap to 2-1 in the third inning, the Dodgers couldn’t muster a comeback. Yesavage allowed only three hits over seven innings, while relievers Seranthony Domínguez and Jeff Hoffman secured the win.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked, “We need to regroup and find a way to win Game 6.”
Blue Jays’ Offensive Prowess
Schneider, stepping in for the injured George Springer, set the tone with a leadoff homer. Guerrero followed with his eighth postseason home run. The Blue Jays continued to capitalize on opportunities, with Ernie Clement and Bo Bichette adding crucial RBIs.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
As the series shifts back to Toronto, the Dodgers will rely on RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who delivered a complete game in Game 2. The Blue Jays counter with RHP Kevin Gausman, who aims to replicate his strong performance from earlier in the series.
“We just want to be the toughest outs possible,” Bichette emphasized. “We’re a team, and we’ll do whatever it takes to win.”
