Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames 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 Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. 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.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. 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 back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, 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 as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

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 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape 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 push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Latoya Campbell
Latoya Campbell

Elara Vance ist eine preisgekrönte Journalistin mit über einem Jahrzehnt Erfahrung in der Berichterstattung über internationale Politik und gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen.