Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers 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 topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. 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 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 game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 exited in the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats 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 leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.

Patrick Torres
Patrick Torres

A passionate software engineer with over a decade of experience in full-stack development and a love for teaching others.