Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in 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 seven-game set.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, 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, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching 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, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Thomas Ho
Thomas Ho

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