When Toronto Blue Jays exploded for nine runs in the sixth inning, the roar from Rogers Centre was deafening. The World Series opened on Friday, October 24, 2025, with an 11‑4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving Toronto a 1‑0 lead and ending a 32‑year championship drought.
Historic Context: Blue Jays Return to the Fall Classic
The last time Toronto hosted a Fall Classic, it was 1993 – a night still etched in baseball lore thanks to Joe Carter’s walk‑off three‑run blast. Back then, the stadium was known as SkyDome; today it’s the modern Rogers Centre, a venue that has seen concerts, conventions, and now a long‑awaited World Series. The 2025 edition marks the first time the championship has returned to Canada since that iconic moment, a fact that added extra pressure and excitement for a franchise hungry for its second title.
Game 1 Recap: A Six‑Run Surge
The game started with a modest 2‑0 lead for the Dodgers, but Toronto answered back in the bottom of the fourth. Daulton Varsho, outfielder ripped a two‑run homer off Dodgers ace Blake Snell, knotting the score at 2‑2. From there, the drama unfolded like a roller coaster.
The sixth inning turned into a demolition derby. After a leadoff single, the Dodgers’ relievers Michael Kopech and Ben Casparius found themselves in a nightmare. That’s when Addison Barger, pinch‑hitter stepped up and delivered a grand slam – the first ever pinch‑hit slam in World Series history. The crowd erupted, and before the inning was over, Alejandro Kirk, catcher added a two‑run blast that traveled an estimated 412 feet.
By the end of the sixth, the Jays had piled up a total of nine runs, flipping a 2‑2 tie into an 11‑2 lead. The Dodgers managed a two‑run homer from Shohei Ohtani in the seventh, but the damage was already done.
Key Performances and Milestones
- Addison Barger’s grand slam – first pinch‑hit slam in World Series history.
- Alejandro Kirk’s two‑run homer – one of three home runs for Toronto in the game.
- Shohei Ohtani’s first World Series homer – a two‑run shot, his fourth homer in two straight games.
- Kiké Hernández’s 86th postseason game – tying Justin Turner for seventh‑most all‑time.
- Dave Roberts admitted pulling a Cy‑Young winner too early, calling it a "miscalculation."
Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (Toronto) escaped a decision despite a solid outing, while Blake Snell (Los Angeles) shouldered the loss after just 3.2 innings.
Reactions from Managers and Fans
Blue Jays manager John Schneider, manager praised the bench depth, saying, "We kept Barger warm because we believed he could change the game. He did exactly that." Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, manager was more sobered: "Pulling Snell was a mistake. He’s a winner, and we’ll learn from this."
Fans in Toronto chanted, "We don’t need you!" toward Ohtani, a reference to his 2023 free‑agency decision to join the Dodgers over the Jays for a record‑setting contract.
Implications for the Series
Taking a 1‑0 lead with such a lopsided win gives Toronto a psychological edge. The Dodgers, defending champions, now have to regroup and find a way to contain the Jays’ explosive offense. Historically, teams that win the first game by five or more runs in a best‑of‑seven series often carry that momentum forward.
Both clubs will be watching bullpen usage closely. The Dodgers’ relievers were hammered in the sixth; Roberts hinted at a quicker‑to‑the‑track approach for Game 2. Meanwhile, Schneider lauded his bench depth, suggesting he’ll continue to match up pinch‑hiters with specific Dodgers pitchers.
What’s Next: Game 2 Preview
Game 2 is slated for Saturday, October 25, at 8:08 PM EDT, again at Rogers Centre. The Dodgers will start left‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who in the regular season logged a 2.12 ERA and 225 strikeouts. Toronto will counter with a yet‑to‑be‑named starter, likely a back‑up for Gausman, as the Jays look to keep the pressure on.
Key storylines to watch:
- Will the Dodgers’ bullpen rebound after the sixth‑inning implosion?
- Can Toronto’s offense sustain its fireworks, or will the Dodgers’ pitchers adjust?
- Will Ohtani’s power translate into more World Series homers, or will the Jays find a way to neutralize him?
All eyes remain on the matchup, because the series is far from decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Toronto’s chances of winning the World Series?
An 11‑4 opening win puts the Blue Jays in a strong position. Historically, teams that start a best‑of‑seven series with a five‑run margin win the series about 60% of the time. The early lead also forces the Dodgers to use more of their bullpen, potentially wearing them down in later games.
What record did Addison Barger set with his grand slam?
Barger became the first player in World Series history to hit a pinch‑hit grand slam. The feat joins a short list of historic first‑offs, putting him alongside legends like Kirk Gibson and Derek Jeter for iconic moments.
Why was Shohei Ohtani’s homer significant despite the loss?
It was Ohtani’s first World Series home run, marking his first multi‑game homer streak in the postseason. The two‑run shot also reminded fans that the Dodgers still have a potent offensive weapon, even as their bullpen struggled.
What does the Dodgers’ bullpen collapse indicate for the rest of the series?
The sixth‑inning barrage exposed a vulnerability when left‑handed relievers faced a hot Toronto lineup. Manager Dave Roberts is likely to shorten outings and perhaps bring in a veteran arm earlier to prevent a repeat.
When and where is Game 2 being played?
Game 2 kicks off at 8:08 PM EDT on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Dodgers will start left‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Blue Jays will rotate a fresh arm into the rotation.
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