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 topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first title since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
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 first-year pitcher 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
The Pitcher's Dominance
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 homer in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.
Late Inning Insurance
The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – 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 final margin.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.