Toronto On the Brink 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 Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since the 1993 season.
A Rookie's Record-Setting Night
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
A Quick Start for Toronto
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters 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 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.
Building the Advantage
In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times 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.