Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Yesavage Dominates Dodgers in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run 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 smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their key batter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.

Alex Duarte
Alex Duarte

A passionate writer and digital enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and sharing actionable insights.