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

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well 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 taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout 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 nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – 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 was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Christine Gray
Christine Gray

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing practical advice for modern living and self-improvement.