Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.