🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, needing just one more triumph of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, fanned a dozen batters without a single 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 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 gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run in the third inning to make it two to one. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to make it 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each worked a scoreless inning to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. 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.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.