Blue Jays One Step Away of Victory After Rookie Phenom Tames Los Angeles in Fifth Match

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 topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, 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 first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. 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 pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips 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 holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.

Jeffrey Horton
Jeffrey Horton

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