🔗 Share this article

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, 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 Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a misplay, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now hitless in seven at-bats since setting a World Series on-base record 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.