In a commanding performance, the Toronto Blue Jays crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1 of the World Series, establishing an early lead with a historic offensive outburst that included the first pinch-hit grand slam in Series history.
The 2025 World Series opener at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Friday, October 24, saw the Blue Jays host their first Fall Classic game in over three decades. Despite the Dodgers taking an early 2-0 lead, the home team’s resilience shone through as they mounted a comeback that would dominate the narrative of the game. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to witness a return to championship glory after a long wait.
Daulton Varsho ignited the Blue Jays’ offense in the fourth inning with a two-run home run off Dodgers starter Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. This crucial hit tied the game and shifted the momentum firmly in Toronto’s favor, setting the stage for an even more explosive inning later. Varsho’s connection to past Blue Jays lore—he is named after Darren Daulton, the catcher involved in Joe Carter’s 1993 walk-off homer—added a poetic touch to the rally.
The sixth inning proved catastrophic for the Dodgers as the Blue Jays erupted for nine runs, a barrage that included multiple home runs and capitalized on Los Angeles’ bullpen struggles. Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer, but the defining moment came from pinch-hitter Addison Barger, who launched a grand slam—the first pinch-hit grand slam ever in World Series history—off reliever Anthony Banda. This historic blow sent the crowd into a frenzy and effectively sealed the game.
Barger’s grand slam capped an inning where Toronto sent 13 batters to the plate, highlighting the depth of their lineup and exposing persistent weaknesses in the Dodgers’ relief pitching. The offensive explosion turned a close game into a rout, with the Blue Jays demonstrating their ability to capitalize on opportunities and deliver under pressure. This inning underscored Toronto’s balanced attack, which has been a hallmark of their postseason run.
Despite the lopsided score, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani managed to hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning for his first World Series homer and fourth in two games. However, Toronto fans, still bitter over Ohtani’s decision to spurn the Blue Jays for Los Angeles in 2023, voiced their disapproval with chants of “We don’t need you!” during his at-bats. This moment highlighted the emotional stakes for both teams and their supporters.
With the 11-4 victory, the Blue Jays take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 set for Saturday night in Toronto. This win not only provides crucial momentum but also marks a significant achievement for the franchise, evoking memories of their 1993 championship while creating new historic moments. The series continues with both teams adjusting strategies, but Toronto’s dominant start has firmly positioned them as contenders.