🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young 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 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 best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. 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 a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, 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 – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again struggled to get going. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in seven at-bats since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.