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Blue Jays Dominate Dodgers in World Series Game 1 with Explosive Offense
The Toronto Blue Jays stormed to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Centre, powered by a historic nine-run sixth inning. Despite a strong start from the defending champions, the Blue Jays’ relentless offense, led by Addison Barger’s groundbreaking pinch-hit grand slam, flipped the game and gave Toronto a 1-0 series lead.
Historic Sixth Inning Steals the Show
Trailing 2-0, Toronto ignited their comeback in the fourth with a two-run homer by Daulton Varsho, tying the game against Dodgers ace Blake Snell. The sixth inning proved decisive, with 12 Blue Jays batters stepping to the plate. Key moments included:
- Bo Bichette’s full-count walk to open the inning, fresh off a knee injury recovery.
- Ernie Clement’s tiebreaking RBI single off reliever Emmet Sheehan.
- Nathan Lukes’ bases-loaded walk and Andrés Giménez’s RBI single.
- Addison Barger’s 413-foot pinch-hit grand slam, the first in World Series history.
- Alejandro Kirk’s two-run homer, sealing the 11-2 lead.
This nine-run outburst, the most in a World Series inning since 1968, showcased Toronto’s offensive depth and exposed the Dodgers’ bullpen struggles.
Daulton Varsho’s Breakthrough and Historical Connection
Varsho’s fourth-inning homer was a game-changer, marking the first home run Snell allowed to a left-handed hitter since June 2024. Named after former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton, Varsho’s performance echoed Toronto’s 1993 World Series glory, when Joe Carter’s walk-off homer clinched the title.
Shohei Ohtani’s Late Spark for Dodgers
The Dodgers, seeking their third title in six years, took an early 2-0 lead with RBI singles from Kiké Hernández and Will Smith. Shohei Ohtani, despite striking out twice early, hit his first World Series homer—a two-run shot in the seventh—cutting the deficit to 11-4. However, Toronto fans, still bitter over Ohtani’s 2023 decision to sign with the Dodgers, chanted “We don’t need you!” in the ninth.
Pitching Struggles and Standouts
Dodgers starter Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, faltered after a strong start, exiting in the sixth after allowing five runs on eight hits. Relievers Emmet Sheehan and Anthony Banda couldn’t contain Toronto’s onslaught, with Banda surrendering Barger’s grand slam. Toronto’s Seranthony Domínguez earned the win with 1 1/3 hitless innings, while rookie Trey Yesavage, at 22 years old, held the Dodgers to two runs over four innings, striking out Ohtani and stranding runners in key moments.
Blue Jays’ Historic Lineup
Toronto made history with Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Daulton Varsho—the first trio of sons of former major leaguers to start in a World Series game. Bichette, returning from a knee injury, played second base for the first time in six years, contributing a single and a crucial walk.
What’s Next for Game 2?
The Dodgers look to rebound in Game 2 on Saturday at Rogers Centre, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto facing Toronto’s Kevin Gausman. Yamamoto, coming off a complete-game gem in the NLCS, aims to even the series, while Gausman makes his World Series debut for the energized Blue Jays.
Dodgers Fans Stay Hopeful
Despite the lopsided loss, Dodgers fans at a Pasadena sports bar remain optimistic, cheering for their team’s resilience. With a potent lineup and a strong rotation, Los Angeles has the tools to bounce back in this best-of-seven series.
Conclusion: Toronto Sets the Tone
The Blue Jays’ explosive Game 1 victory, fueled by Barger’s historic grand slam and a relentless lineup, sent a message to the favored Dodgers. As the series continues, Toronto’s home crowd and offensive firepower make them a formidable force. Don’t miss Game 2 as the Dodgers aim to strike back!
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