Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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 initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
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 score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.