Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Game 5
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. 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 seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. 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 found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, 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 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.
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 score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.