Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Yesavage 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 Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

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 rookie right-hander 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their key batter 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 the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Lori Jackson
Lori Jackson

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing actionable tips and inspiring stories.