Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away 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, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.
The Pitcher's Dominance
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching 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 as close as Los Angeles would get.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run 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.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.