Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past 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 started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, 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 jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps 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 rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
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 their home field.