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

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in 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 began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

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 plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Brandon Washington
Brandon Washington

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing innovative ideas and personal experiences to inspire others.