Blue Jays On the Brink of Victory 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 Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – 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 seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

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 followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record 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 nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.