Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Game 5

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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 championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. 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 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.

Malik Mckay
Malik Mckay

A passionate horticulturist and sustainability advocate with over a decade of experience in urban gardening and environmental education.