Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, 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 – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. 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 assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one 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.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.