🔗 Share this article

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the third inning to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A eighth-inning base hit provided the final margin.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the relievers finished the job. The late-inning pitchers each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter went without a hit in four trips and is now hitless in seven at-bats since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at Toronto's ballpark.