🔗 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 Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away 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, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. 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 took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo shot in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Clement delivered 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. 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 final margin.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, fanning three batters collectively while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again struggled to get going. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.