Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run 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 fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

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.

Martin Dawson
Martin Dawson

A passionate travel writer and local expert dedicated to uncovering Pisa's natural beauty and sharing insights for memorable outdoor experiences.