Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – 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 provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, 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 Blue Jays loaded the bases. 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 eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter 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 return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.