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Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Schneider connected for a homer on the opening pitch as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday, moving within one victory of their first title since the 1993 season.

A Rookie's Record-Setting Night

The young Yesavage, who debuted in the majors this past September, recorded 12 strikeouts and zero walks – setting a new World Series record. 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 been the winning pitcher in two of Toronto's three wins in this seven-game set.

Early Offensive Explosion

Toronto’s hitters gave him breathing room almost immediately. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and homered to left field. Two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to nearly the same spot. It marked the unprecedented occurrence in the World Series that the game began with two straight homers, leaving the audience in awe before most had taken their places.

The Pitcher's Dominance

Yesavage then assumed command. He struck out five consecutive batters between the early frames, setting a rookie record before Kiké Hernández finally broke the streak with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was the Dodgers' closest approach.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth inning, Daulton Varsho tripled down the right-field line after a fielding error, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to score him 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 scored a mere four times in nearly 30 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher persisted for over six frames but exited in 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 make it 5–1. A single in the eighth provided the last run.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage exited to a standing ovation from the Toronto faithful, and the bullpen did the rest. The late-inning pitchers each worked a scoreless inning to secure the victory, recording three strikeouts together while maintaining the stellar start.

Dodgers' Lineup Shuffle Falters

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, 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 reaching base a World Series-record nine times in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto go back to their own stadium with two opportunities to win it all. Friday evening features Game 6 at Rogers Centre.