Toronto On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match
Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, 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, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this seven-game set.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Extending the Lead
In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a 3–1 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.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
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 riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.