Trey Yesavage’s dominant 12-strikeout performance in Game 5 of the World Series propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting them just one game away from their first championship since 1993. The 22-year-old phenom, who worked his way through the Blue Jays’ minor league system, delivered a seven-inning masterclass, striking out 12 Dodgers hitters and allowing just three hits. This performance, reminiscent of legendary Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, marked the Blue Jays’ pivotal move toward the World Series title.
Thanks to Yesavage’s efforts and timely hitting by the Blue Jays’ lineup, Toronto is heading back north with only one more win needed to win the World Series. The game at Dodger Stadium saw some quick insurance on the scoreboard as opponent Blake Snell allowed two solo home runs on the first three pitches of the game. Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose dream postseason continued, contributed to the early lead. The Blue Jays’ offense continued to dominate with Teoscar Hernandez’s misfield allowing Daulton Varsho to reach third base, leading to a two-run lead. As Yesavage kept cruising, the Blue Jays widened the gap in the top of the seventh when Addison Barger and Bo Bichette’s hits extended the lead to 5-1. With Yesavage’s night complete, the Blue Jays’ manager, John Schneider, turned to Seranthony Dominguez and closer Jeff Hoffman to shut the door on Game 5, securing the crucial win.
The win sets the stage for the Dodgers, last year’s World Series champions, to face the challenge of winning the next two games to retain their title. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had a great performance in Game 2, will take on Kevin Gausman, who had a mixed Game 2 in Toronto. First pitch in Game 6 is scheduled for Halloween night in Toronto at 8:08 p.m. ET.