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 Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander 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 championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie 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.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a three to one 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

Stephen Bauer
Stephen Bauer

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