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Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages and Davis Schneider homered on the very first pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–1 on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since 1993.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – setting a new World Series record. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, 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 jumped out to a fast lead. On the game's opening offering, Schneider drilled a 97-mile-per-hour heater and sent it over the left-field fence. Immediately after, Vladimir Guerrero Jr followed with another blast to almost the exact same place. It marked the historic first for the Fall Classic that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then went to work. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, 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 2–1. That was the nearest the Dodgers came.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a fielding error, and Clement delivered a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 3–1 lead. The Los Angeles offense continued to sputter from there. After a six-run output in an 18-inning game, they’ve scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Late Inning Insurance

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but couldn’t escape the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – thanks to a errant throw and another on an RBI single – to extend the lead to 5–1. 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 relievers finished the job. The bullpen arms each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while protecting the rookie's gem.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who shuffled their lineup in search of a spark, again couldn't find momentum. Their star slugger went without a hit in four trips and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in Game 3.

On the Verge of a Championship

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two chances to clinch. Game 6 is Friday night at Rogers Centre.