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Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, moving within one victory of their first World Series championship since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who only reached the big leagues in September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He started the season in Class A before sparse crowds, but has now earned two starting wins in the series in this best-of-seven series.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider connected with a high-velocity fastball and homered to left field. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr added a second home run to nearly the same spot. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, stunning the crowd before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, establishing a new rookie mark before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it two to one. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho smacked a triple to right field after a misplay, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The Dodgers starter lasted into the seventh inning but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. The runners he allowed both crossed the plate – one on a wild pitch and the other on a run-scoring hit – to push the lead to four runs. A hit in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage received a standing ovation upon leaving from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The bullpen arms each pitched an inning without allowing a run to end the game, fanning three batters collectively while protecting the rookie's gem.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who rearranged their batting order in search of a spark, again struggled to get going. Their key batter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now leading the series three games to two, Toronto head back to their home ballpark with two chances to clinch. The sixth game is set for Friday at their home field.