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

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander 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 best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, 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 as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.