Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph 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, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.