🔗 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 topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The rookie right-hander allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had found their seats.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter battled through six and two-thirds innings but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.