Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Yesavage Dominates Los Angeles 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 Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.

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. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited 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 push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their key batter 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 the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Anthony Chavez
Anthony Chavez

A passionate traveler and writer documenting journeys across the UK and beyond, sharing insights and tips for memorable road trips.