Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.