Shohei Ohtani took the mound for Los Angeles, returning to start just hours after a historic offensive performance in Game 3, where he reached base a record 11 consecutive plate appearances, including two home runs and multiple intentional walks (Ohtani’s on-base streak). On Tuesday, Ohtani’s fastball velocity was slightly down early but remained effective; he cruised through six innings, striking out the side in the fourth and retiring 11 of 12 batters after allowing a two-run homer to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the third. That home run gave Toronto a 2-1 advantage, erasing an early Dodgers lead set up by Max Muncy and Enrique Hernández in the second.
Ohtani was pulled after just three pitches in the seventh inning following back-to-back hits—the first time since his return from elbow surgery he pitched into the seventh. Anthony Banda entered in relief as the Dodgers looked to hold the deficit. Meanwhile, Toronto starter Shane Bieber kept the Dodgers’ bats quiet through six innings, allowing only a single run and striking out Shohei Ohtani.
Both teams leaned on their bullpens heavily after Monday’s marathon. Key arms such as Eric Lauer and Will Klein were unavailable, while relievers like Louis Varland and Jack Dreyer were expected to play significant roles if needed. The Blue Jays’ rookie Braydon Fisher and Dodgers’ veteran Clayton Kershaw were also ready to contribute in high-leverage situations.
The Dodgers, up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after Freddie Freeman’s walk-off homer in Game 3 (Freeman’s walk-off), faced mounting pressure as Toronto pressed for a series-tying win. The Blue Jays’ ability to capitalize on opportunities was under scrutiny after leaving a World Series record 19 runners on base in Game 3. For Toronto, timely hitting and bullpen endurance were crucial as they sought to even the series.
With both teams’ pitching staffs depleted and the series intensity peaking, Game 4 shaped up as another classic in a World Series filled with historic moments and standout individual performances.
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