Toronto One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He fanned five in a row between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, 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 were packed. 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 single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Lindsey Foster
Lindsey Foster

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for demystifying complex technologies and sharing practical insights.