Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates 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 Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title 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 rookie right-hander 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 best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. 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 added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. 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 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. 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 concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter 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.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.

Brian Jimenez
Brian Jimenez

A certified financial planner with over a decade of experience in helping individuals build wealth and secure their financial future.