The 2024 World Series has hit a turning point. The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers enter Game 5 tied at two games each.
Tonight at Dodger Stadium, the Blue Jays wasted no time. They jumped on the Dodgers with early offense and sharp pitching from rookie Trey Yesavage.
This one’s not just about grabbing the lead—it’s a real test of strategy, momentum, and those individual performances that end up defining a championship.
Blue Jays Strike First in Game 5
Davis Schneider didn’t just lead off Game 5—he made a little history. On the very first pitch, Schneider sent a home run flying over the left-field wall, joining a pretty exclusive list of players who’ve homered on the first pitch of a World Series game.
The Dodgers’ crowd fell silent. Toronto had the momentum right away.
Guerrero Jr. Adds to the Early Lead
Before fans could even settle in after Schneider’s blast, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tacked on another run. That quick 2–0 lead gave Toronto’s young arm, Trey Yesavage, some breathing room—he made the most of it in the first few innings.
Trey Yesavage’s Commanding Start
Yesavage came into Game 5 with a reputation for a unique release point and a nasty slider. In Game 1, Dodgers hitters laid off his splitter, but he’s since tweaked his pitch movement and velocity, making things a lot tougher for Los Angeles.
Dodgers Struggle Against Unusual Arm Angle
In the first inning, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, and Mookie Betts all looked off balance against Yesavage’s delivery. Betts, still in a postseason slump, went down swinging at sliders that just disappeared into the bottom corner.
The Dodgers’ hitters seemed hesitant, maybe clinging to their Game 1 approach even though Yesavage had clearly made adjustments.
Toronto Maintains Offensive Pressure
Toronto’s hitters kept pushing. Addison Barger singled in the second, working a tough at-bat and keeping the Dodgers’ defense on their toes.
Ernie Clement grounded out right after, but the Blue Jays’ energy at the plate was obvious.
Unsuccessful Challenge Brings Early Inning Drama
Daulton Varsho tried to steal early in the game. He got called out, and Toronto challenged, which brought a brief pause to the action.
The call stood, ending the top half of the first. Focus shifted back to Yesavage on the mound.
Family Legacy Highlighted Amid World Series Action
The broadcast tossed in a cool bit of trivia: Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are only the second father-son duo, both MVPs, to make World Series rosters. It’s a unique piece of baseball history, and honestly, it gives Toronto fans even more to cheer for.
Historical Context Adds Depth to the Series
Moments like these remind us that the World Series connects today’s stars to baseball’s long story. The Guerrero family’s achievement adds a personal touch to Toronto’s push for a title.
- Davis Schneider’s first-pitch homer set the tone right away.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. followed up with another early run, putting Toronto ahead.
- Trey Yesavage mixed up his pitches and kept the Dodgers guessing.
- The Dodgers’ offense, especially Mookie Betts, kept struggling at the plate.
- And yes, the rare father-son MVP pairing got a moment in the spotlight.
Looking Ahead in the Series
The World Series sits at 2–2, and Game 5’s early moments hint that Toronto’s got some real swagger right now. They’re pushing for a crucial road win, and you can feel it.
If Yesavage keeps his command sharp, and the Blue Jays’ lineup keeps grinding, the Dodgers might find themselves scrambling to get momentum back. That’s a tough spot for any team, honestly.
Early leads in championship baseball? They mess with your head. Teams start pressing, and mistakes creep in where you least expect them.
Schneider’s big swing and Guerrero Jr.’s steady bat both show the Jays aren’t backing down. They want control—of Game 5, sure, but really, the whole series.
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Here is the source article for this story: Blue Jays vs. Dodgers live updates: MLB World Series Game 5 score, predictions and odds
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