Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles 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 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 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. 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 assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their key batter 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.