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

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, fanned a dozen batters without a single walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher gave up only a single run on three hits in 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 connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that back-to-back homers started a game, shocking the spectators before most had found their seats.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Hernández ended the run with a home run 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 tripled down the right-field line after a defensive mistake, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home 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 produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases were packed. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A eighth-inning base hit provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Blue Jays supporters, and the bullpen did the rest. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went 0-for-4 and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.