🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory 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, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. The two inherited runners scored – one on a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. 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 relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.