Toronto On the Brink of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

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 rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, establishing a new rookie mark before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.

Stephen Butler
Stephen Butler

Lena is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering European politics and social issues.