Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.