Toronto On the Brink of Victory 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 Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – 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 seven-game set.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.