The Blue Jays forced their way back into the World Series conversation with Tuesday’s Game 4 victory, but now they’ll have to prove they can win the whole thing on the road.
Toronto’s win denied the Dodgers a chance to clinch at home, setting up a pivotal Game 5 at Dodger Stadium. It’s the same matchup from Game 1 – Blake Snell for Los Angeles against rookie Trey Yesavage for the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays would love nothing more than a repeat of Game 1.
That night, they tagged Snell for multiple runs before exploding for nine in the sixth inning, overwhelming both the starter and LA’s bullpen. Toronto took control early and never looked back, grabbing a 1-0 series lead with a statement win.
But that feels like ages ago now. The Dodgers have settled in since then, and Snell – when he’s locked in – has some of the nastiest stuff you’ll see from any pitcher in baseball.
Snell Looking to Bounce Back
The two-time Cy Young winner missed about four months this season with a shoulder injury, but he’s looked like vintage Snell when healthy. His numbers from his 11 starts tell the story:
- Record: 5-4
- ERA: 2.35
- Strikeouts: 72 in 61.1 innings
- WHIP: 1.26
Snell posted a 2.09 ERA over his final eight regular season starts, including just one earned run allowed over his last three outings as the Dodgers locked up the NL West.
The control issues that have followed him throughout his career showed up again in Game 1 – he walked three Blue Jays hitters and couldn’t find the strike zone when he needed it most. That’s been the story of this postseason for Snell. He was sharp against Cincinnati and Milwaukee, but struggled with his command against Philadelphia and again in the series opener.
Toronto will be the first team he’s faced twice this October.
One key matchup to watch: Snell has had Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s number historically, holding the Blue Jays star to a .222 average with no home runs in seven career meetings. In Game 1, though, Guerrero worked a walk and managed a hit in two at-bats.
Yesavage’s Biggest Test Yet
For the rookie right-hander, Game 5 represents uncharted territory. All four of his postseason starts have come at home in Toronto, where he’s looked comfortable and composed. Wednesday will put him under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium with a hostile crowd.
Here’s what Yesavage has done in his brief postseason career:
- Record: 1-0 in 3 starts
- ERA: 3.21 in 14 innings
- Strikeouts: 16
- Road starts: 0
The 24-year-old has already made more postseason starts than regular season appearances as a major leaguer, which tells you everything about how this Blue Jays season has unfolded. He carved up the Yankees in the ALDS and bounced back nicely against Seattle after a rough first start in the ALCS.
In Game 1 against the Dodgers, Yesavage didn’t have his sharpest stuff but still managed four solid innings, allowing two runs while the Blue Jays offense did it’s thing.
The rookie showed no fear in that series opener, striking out Shohei Ohtani to start the game and getting him to ground out in the second. That kind of poise will be crucial Wednesday night.
What makes this different is the environment. Yesavage has thrived at home, but road playoff games hit different. The crowd noise, the energy, the pressure – it’s all magnified when you’re trying to eliminate the home team.
All things considered, Game 5 sets up as a classic pitcher’s duel between a seasoned veteran trying to redeem himself and a rookie who’s shown he belongs on this stage. The Blue Jays need Yesavage to give them length and keep the game close. The Dodgers need Snell to be the dominant lefty they thought they were getting when they signed him.
Whoever executes better probably sends their team to within one win of a championship.
