Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Game 5

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.

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 allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.

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. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout 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 two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

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 Toronto's ballpark.

Victoria James
Victoria James

A certified mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find inner peace through daily practices.