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

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. 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 best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters provided early support. On the game's opening offering, 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 nearly the same spot. It marked the first time in World Series history that consecutive home runs opened a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then went to work. He retired five straight via strikeout between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Extending the Lead

In the fourth, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to score him for a 3–1 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 battled through six and two-thirds innings but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to extend the lead to 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to secure the victory, combining for three strikeouts while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their key batter went without a hit in four trips and is now riding an 0-for-7 skid since reaching base a World Series-record nine times in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. Friday evening features Game 6 at their home field.