🔗 Share this article

Trey Yesavage turned in a legendary performance and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1993.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. 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 earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven 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 drove it over the left-field wall. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Hernández ended the run with a solo homer in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted 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 managed only four across the past 29 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher lasted into the seventh inning but exited in the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the relievers finished the job. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.