🔗 Share this article

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

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 – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, 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 first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened 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 starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Blue Jays supporters, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since setting a World Series on-base record in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two games to secure the title. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.