Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.