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Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. His year commenced in the low minors with minimal fanfare, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this championship series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the initial throw, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that back-to-back homers started a game, stunning the crowd before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, 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 three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet 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 couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The two inherited runners scored – thanks to a errant throw and one more on a base hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the traveling fans, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, fanning three batters collectively while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again found little traction. Their top hitter went 0-for-4 and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since setting a World Series on-base record in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto return home with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Toronto's ballpark.