Toronto One Step Away of Glory After Rookie Phenom Tames Dodgers in Fifth Match

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this best-of-seven series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. 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 took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again found little traction. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at Rogers Centre.