Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Dodgers 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 defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series 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 added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 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.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.