Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Dominates Los Angeles 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 defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title 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 – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across 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.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.

Shelly Gordon
Shelly Gordon

A certified esthetician with over 10 years of experience in skincare and beauty treatments, passionate about helping clients achieve their best glow.