Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the bottom of the third 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 fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted 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 reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.