Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, 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 early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, 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 starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips 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 up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Ashley Simmons
Ashley Simmons

Certified personal trainer and nutritionist with over 10 years of experience, passionate about helping others transform their lives through fitness.