Blue Jays One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.