LOS ANGELES — I undertook an action last Wednesday that deviates from my usual practice: I altered my selection. During the CBS Sports HQ broadcast at 12:00 PM ET, I initially stated that the Dodgers were poised to secure victory in Game 5 of the World Series. However, six hours later, while reporting live from Dodger Stadium on CBS Sports HQ, I announced a change of heart, opting instead for the Blue Jays. Following a significant play, a colleague inquired about my projected series winner, to which I responded with the Blue Jays. It’s worth noting that my pre-series prediction favored a Dodgers triumph in five games.
Now, in the aftermath of a 6-1 Blue Jays triumph in Game 5, my conviction lies firmly with the Blue Jays. I am certain that they will emerge victorious in this series.
A distinct transformation in atmosphere has occurred, influencing both my perspective and that of many others. This shift is largely attributed to the unwavering resilience demonstrated by the Blue Jays. A palpable sense of determination permeates the clubhouse. While it is common for teams participating in the World Series to express similar sentiments and harbor beliefs of winning, there exists an intangible quality that sets this Blue Jays team apart. They exude an aura of invincibility, as if they are destined to succeed.
Despite encountering numerous challenges, they consistently rise to the occasion.
At this juncture, it seems improbable that they will relinquish their grip on the series.
The team has faced adversity, including the loss of a key offensive player, George Springer, due to injury, sidelining him since his early departure from Game 3. They are utilizing a pitcher who only recently returned from Tommy John surgery in August within their rotation, alongside a rookie who had only three MLB starts prior to the playoffs. Their bullpen is comprised of makeshift solutions. Nathan Lukes, a 31-year-old rookie, has spent a decade in the minor leagues. Bo Bichette is playing through an injury. Anthony Santander, their significant offseason acquisition, underperformed during the regular season and is now sidelined with an injury. Despite losing the first two games of the ALCS at home, they managed to win the series. After a heartbreaking 18-inning loss in Game 3, they found themselves trailing 2-1 in the World Series. However, they now hold a 3-2 lead and are returning to their home field, where they posted a 54-27 record this season. Including playoff games, their home record improves to 59-30, the best in all of baseball.
“I eagerly anticipate witnessing the atmosphere at the Rogers Centre,” expressed manager John Schneider following Game 5.
Their mission commenced in late May. Following a defeat on May 27, their record stood at 26-28. However, they rebounded with a 68-40 run for the remainder of the season, securing their first AL East title since 2015.
“This is our modus operandi. This is what we have been doing for the past four months,” stated Max Scherzer on Wednesday. “Once we gained momentum in mid-May and June, the entire clubhouse recognized our potential. We elevated our game and began playing a different style of baseball.”
The aforementioned rookie, 22-year-old Trey Yesavage, completely stifled the Dodgers’ offense in Game 5. His performance was captivating, and he emerged as the star of the game. He heavily relied on his excellent slider and, as usual, employed the splitter as his primary out pitch. He induced 10 swings on the splitter, resulting in seven misses. In total, he recorded 12 strikeouts against the Dodgers, surpassing the rookie record in a World Series game — coincidentally, the previous record was held by Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe (1949 Game 1).
“The most impressive aspect was his composure, as if it were a regular game in September,” remarked Chris Bassitt. “He is composed and unfazed by the magnitude of the moment, which is remarkable for someone his age… Some individuals possess innate qualities that set them apart, and he is one of them. His confidence upon entering the game and performing in this environment is truly remarkable.”
“From Yesavage’s first game, it was evident that he was different,” Scherzer observed. “He is capable of competing against anyone at this point.”
Yesavage conceded only three hits in Game 5, with two being infield singles. He had never previously pitched in the seventh inning of a start, even in the minor leagues. However, he completed seven innings in this game, delivering a masterful performance.
“His maturity in handling these high-pressure situations is truly impressive,” noted Bo Bichette.
Consider Davis Schneider. He had only started four playoff games out of the 15 Blue Jays postseason games. He had never batted leadoff before. He was thrust into the role, partly due to Springer’s injury. He commenced the game with a home run off two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. This exemplifies the team’s next-man-up mentality. Clement, Addison Barger, Daulton Varsho, Andrés Giménez, and virtually everyone else contribute. Isiah Kiner-Falefa even contributed an RBI single in this game.
Of course, there was also the superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who followed Schneider with a home run. This marked the first instance in history of a team hitting back-to-back home runs to begin a World Series game. Snell had never previously allowed two first-inning home runs in his career, making it a historic occasion on multiple fronts.
The game commenced with a memorable start, followed by an exceptional performance from Yesavage. This is an extraordinary team.
It is worth noting that Snell had been on an impressive run of dominance prior to the World Series. However, the Blue Jays capitalized on him twice in this series. He has surrendered 10 runs on 14 hits in 11 ⅔ innings, resulting in a 7.71 ERA. In his previous three playoff starts, he had an 0.86 ERA.
The Blue Jays appear unstoppable. The team, which led the major leagues in batting average during the regular season and also possesses power-hitting capabilities, is relentless, even with a few players sidelined due to injury. This was evident in both Games 4 and 5. They can hit towering home runs, string together hits, and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Consider the third run. The Dodgers had just reduced the lead to 2-1. Daulton Varsho hit a shot down the right field line, which was clearly a base hit. However, Teoscar Hernández misplayed the ball into a triple. Varsho then promptly scored on a sacrifice fly. They consistently find ways to punish their opponents, time and time again. A single and a walk both resulted in runs in the seventh inning, extending the lead to 5-1. A wild pitch contributed to a run in the eighth. Furthermore, they have hit 27 home runs in 16 postseason games. They attack from every conceivable angle.
To reiterate, while every World Series team should harbor self-belief, there is a distinct aura surrounding these Jays. Observe the opposing dugout. Did the Dodgers resemble a determined team fighting for survival in Game 5, or did they appear listless? This can be partly attributed to Yesavage’s dominant pitching, but the Dodgers also committed numerous errors on the pitching and defensive fronts.
Of course, the Dodgers could still prevail in this series by staging a comeback and displaying their elite capabilities. They could potentially win two games in Toronto. Would that surprise anyone? The Blue Jays are prepared.
“We have experienced situations where we know the series can shift,” stated Scherzer. “We must focus on the task at hand, approach it one game at a time, and execute our usual game plan.”
“They are an exceptional team and the defending champions,” Bichette remarked about the Dodgers. “They will come out with determination, so we must be ready.”
However, I do not anticipate a Dodgers comeback. I believe the Blue Jays will win this series. They are currently in control and only need to secure one victory in two opportunities at home.
It will not require two games. I predict the Blue Jays will win in six games. I was incorrect prior to the series, but I am determined to no longer underestimate this group of extraordinary individuals. They are poised to be crowned World Series champions imminently.
