🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in seven innings. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins 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 added a second home run to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started 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 second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After scoring six runs in Monday’s 18-inning marathon, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the final margin.

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 end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances 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 opportunities to win it all. Game 6 is Friday night at their home field.