Blue Jays On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

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 first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third 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 misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to bring him home 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 Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.

Desiree Alexander
Desiree Alexander

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with a passion for creating cozy, stylish spaces.