🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – 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 started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast 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 found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters 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 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.