Toronto’s offense was relentless, methodically working Dodgers ace Blake Snell for 100 pitches in just five-plus innings. The Blue Jays loaded the bases in the sixth, forcing Snell from the game without recording an out. Daulton Varsho tied the score earlier with a two-run homer—the first Snell had allowed to a left-handed hitter all year—but the decisive blow came when pinch-hitter Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, breaking the game open and electrifying the Toronto crowd.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, already missing key reliever Alex Vesia, turned to Emmet Sheehan and Anthony Banda out of the bullpen. Both failed to stem the tide, as Toronto’s disciplined approach resulted in timely hits and patient at-bats. Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer to cap the nine-run frame, the third-highest scoring inning in World Series history.
The Dodgers’ offense, which started strong with two early runs off rookie starter Trey Yesavage, stalled after the third inning. Shohei Ohtani homered in the seventh, but it was inconsequential as the Blue Jays’ lead was never threatened. Toronto’s bullpen, despite entering the series with a higher postseason ERA than Los Angeles, allowed just one baserunner in the game’s late stages.
For the Blue Jays, the victory not only snapped the Dodgers’ aura of invincibility but also showcased the depth and discipline that brought them to the Fall Classic. Toronto’s lineup, known for its contact ability and patience, executed their plan to perfection, consistently pressuring Snell and capitalizing on every mistake from the Dodgers’ relievers.
This result leaves Los Angeles with urgent questions. The bullpen, already seen as a weakness, was unable to hold the line, and the absence of Vesia looms large. The Dodgers will look to rebound behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2, hoping to avoid falling into a deeper series deficit.
For Toronto, the Game 1 rout is a clear signal that their 32-year championship drought may be under serious threat. The Blue Jays have proven they can match up with the Dodgers’ pitching and, crucially, do damage against their vulnerable bullpen. As shortstop Mookie Betts said postgame, “Turn the page. It’s one game. Nothing we can do about it now. Just have to focus on tomorrow.”
Game 2 is set for Saturday night at Rogers Centre, with the Blue Jays holding momentum and home-field advantage as the World Series continues.
Read more about this historic game at Dodgers’ biggest weakness exposed in World Series opener as Blue Jays erupt for nine-run inning and see highlights at Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Highlights, Score: Toronto’s 9-run Inning Powers Game 1 Victory.