Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, standing one win away of their first title since 1993.
Yesavage's Historic Outing
The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The rookie right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this championship series.
Early Offensive Explosion
Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the initial throw, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to a similar location. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, shocking the spectators before most had taken their places.
Yesavage Takes Control
Yesavage then went to work. He fanned five in a row between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot 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 fielding error, and Ernie Clement hit a sac fly to plate the run for a three to one lead. The Dodgers' bats remained quiet from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve managed only four across the past 29 innings.
Seventh-Inning Rally
The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but was chased in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A single in the eighth provided the final margin.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the pen closed it out. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to close it out, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.
Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters
The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in an attempt to generate runs, again couldn't find momentum. Their top hitter 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 Game 3.
On the Verge of a Championship
Now holding a 3-2 lead, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.
