Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames 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 defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old 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 surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.