Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across 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 championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark 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 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.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Misty Hanson
Misty Hanson

A passionate traveler and writer sharing insights from years of exploring the UK's hidden gems and popular spots.