🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. 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 provided early support. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that consecutive home runs opened a game, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. 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 solo shot in the third inning to make it two to one. 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 defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings 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 make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to close it out, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times 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 chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.