Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot 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, 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 3–1 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.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.