Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. 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.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast 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 found their seats.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.