Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Yesavage Tames 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins 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. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández 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, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

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 the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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 go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Gregory Bailey
Gregory Bailey

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