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Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – the first pitcher in World Series history to do so. The first-year pitcher allowed one run on three hits across seven innings. 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 gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the initial throw, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to a similar location. It marked the first time in World Series history that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He retired five straight via strikeout between the second and third innings, breaking a rookie pitching record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a home run in the bottom of the third 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 misplay, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a 3–1 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.

Late Inning Insurance

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the bases became full. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – via a wild pitch and one more on a base hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Bullpen Secures the Win

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to close it out, 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 star slugger went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

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 Rogers Centre.