The Toronto Blue Jays began the 2025 World Series with an unforgettable performance by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 at Rogers Centre, unleashing the euphoria of the home fans.
The game, which was evenly matched for the first five innings, was completely broken open in a record-breaking sixth inning, where Toronto scored nine runs, the most in a single inning in a World Series since 1968.
The highlight came with Addison Barger, who came out as a pinch hitter and hit a 413-foot grand slam, erasing any hope for the Angels and transforming a tense 2-2 tie into a resounding 9-2 lead.
How the Blue Jays’ comeback was built
The Dodgers had taken the lead early with two runs in the second inning, but Toronto responded with patience and effectiveness.
In the sixth, Bo Bichette led off with a walk, followed by a single by Alejandro Kirk and a hit by pitch to Daulton Varsho that loaded the bases.
Reliever Emmet Sheehan came in to put out the fire, but only fanned the flames: he allowed an RBI single to Ernie Clement and a bases-loaded walk to Nathan Lukes before facing Barger, who made history with his four-run blast.
With that explosive offense, the Blue Jays took complete control of the game and sealed an 11-4 rout, securing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The curious night before the Dodgers vs Blue Jays game
After the match, a funny anecdote took place in the Canadian dressing room.
Infielder Davis Schneider revealed that Addison Barger, the hero of the game, had slept on his couch the night before.
“His family came tonight, so he needed a place to stay. My girlfriend is here, so I told him to sleep on the sofa bed… although it creaked all night,” he said with a laugh.
In turn, Barger admitted that the moment overwhelmed him emotionally:
“I don’t even know how to describe it. I couldn’t feel my legs. I blacked out,” confessed the 25-year-old after hitting the most important home run of his career.
Dodgers’ bullpen in trouble
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the loss was a tough blow. Their bullpen was erratic, especially in the absence of Alex Vesia, a key piece of the relief corps.
The Los Angeles team will have to react quickly if they do not want to return home with a complicated disadvantage.
The Blue Jays will look to extend their lead when they host the Dodgers in Game 2 on Saturday at a Rogers Centre that promises to once again be thrilled by the power of their offense.
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