Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
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 first-year pitcher 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 seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home 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.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, 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 found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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 head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.