Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames 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 defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory 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, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, 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 two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, 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 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, 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 was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.

Lauren Davis
Lauren Davis

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.