Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – 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 seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot 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 tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.

Lauren Butler
Lauren Butler

Award-winning poet and writing coach passionate about fostering creativity through accessible and engaging content.