Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old 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 rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.