Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage had another strong showing in Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, hurling seven innings and striking out 12 on his way to his third win this postseason.
Yesavage struck out Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in the bottom of the third inning on Wednesday, repeating the outcome from the first time he faced him in Game 1 of the World Series. Yesavage didn’t allow Ohtani to reach base against him in either of his starts against the Dodgers.
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Despite his results against the reigning MVP, Yesavage didn’t think much of his accomplishments.
“I was just out there — I treat every hitter the same,” Yesavage said. “At this level every hitter can do damage. Just another strikeout.”
The 22-year-old right-hander has been a force for the Blue Jays after breaking out in the postseason, making five starts and keeping a 3.46 ERA. He has struck out 39 batters through 26 innings pitched in the playoffs. Yesavage made just three MLB starts before October, debuting Sept. 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished the regular season with a 3.21 ERA.
The Blue Jays’ pitching staff as a whole has dealt with Ohtani well outside of his monstrous 4-for-4 performance in Game 3, allowing him to reach base safely just four times in 17 plate appearances outside of that game.
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Kevin Gausman will get the ball for the Blue Jays in Game 6 and look to do the same. Yesavage’s strong start, coupled with the Blue Jays’ early offense, put Toronto in a great spot heading into the final two games of the series, giving them a 3-2 series lead before heading back to play in front of their home fans.
The Blue Jays will look to close out the series in Game 6, which begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET.
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