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 Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.