On October 24, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays surged to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series, seizing a 1‑0 series lead at the Rogers Centre. The highlight? A nine‑run sixth inning anchored by a historic pinch‑hit grand slam.
Historic Grand Slam and Toronto’s Offensive Explosion
When Addison Barger, a 28‑year‑old utility man, stepped up in the bottom of the sixth, he didn’t just hit a home run—he rewrote the record books. Barger’s blast became the first pinch‑hit grand slam ever in a World Series, turning a 2‑2 tie into a 6‑2 lead in a single swing.
Just minutes later, starting catcher Alejandro Kirk>, 25, followed with a two‑run homer, further widening the gap. The momentum shift was palpable; the crowd’s roar reverberated through the stadium, drowning out the Dodgers’ earlier cheers.
Earlier in the inning, center‑fielder Daulton Varsho, 29, added his own two‑run drive, capping a six‑run burst that left the Dodgers scrambling.
Key Performances and Pitching Duel
Los Angeles entered the game with confidence, anchored by two‑time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, 32, who opened the night strong. He struck out four of the first six batters, but a two‑run fourth‑inning shot from Varsho stymied his rhythm.
The Dodgers’ power was on display when superstar Shohei Ohtani, 31, belted a two‑run homer in the seventh. It was Ohtani’s first World Series home run, but it came when Toronto already led by nine runs, making it more symbolic than decisive.
Blue Jays reliever Braydon Fisher—not a primary entity but worth a mention—limited further damage, though Ohtani’s shot sparked a chorus of boos from fans still smarting over his 2023 decision to sign with the Dodgers instead of Toronto.
Fan Reactions and Narrative Shift
The atmosphere at Rogers Centre was electric. When Ohtani stepped up for his ninth‑inning at‑bat, a wave of chanting—"We don’t need you!"—rippled through the stands, a visceral reminder of the lingering resentment over his free‑agency move.
Media outlets, from MLB.com to the Toronto Sun, framed the night as a "narrative flip". After a Dodgers franchise that finished the regular season 93‑69 and was eyeing a historic back‑to‑back championship—the first since the Yankees' three‑peat ending in 2000—the Blue Jays’ offensive fireworks rewrote the story before the first out was even recorded.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 and Series Outlook
Game 2 is set for October 25, 2025, same venue. The Dodgers will hand the ball to 26‑year‑old ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a complete‑game shutout in the 2024 NLCS. If he repeats that form, Los Angeles could claw back the series quickly.
For Toronto, the challenge is maintaining the offensive tempo. Barger’s grand slam was a one‑off, but the depth of the lineup—highlighted by veterans like Bo Bichette and rising stars such as Ernie Clement—suggests they have the tools to keep the pressure on.
Regardless of the outcome, the opening game added another chapter to the city’s World Series lore, the first home championship game since Joe Carter’s 1993 walk‑off. If the Blue Jays can ride the wave, Toronto may finally clinch its second title in franchise history.
Key Facts
- Game date:
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Final score: Blue Jays 11, Dodgers 4
- Historic moment: Addison Barger’s pinch‑hit grand slam – first ever in World Series history
- Series lead: Toronto up 1‑0 in a best‑of‑seven
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Addison Barger’s grand slam change the game?
Barger’s three‑run swing turned a 2‑2 tie into a 6‑2 lead, sparking a six‑run sixth inning that gave Toronto a nine‑run cushion. That swing alone accounted for 27% of the Blue Jays’ total runs.
Why were Toronto fans chanting against Shohei Ohtani?
Ohtani famously rejected a contract extension from the Blue Jays in December 2023, opting for free agency and signing with the Dodgers. Fans felt betrayed, and his late‑game homer reignited that frustration.
What does this win mean for the Dodgers’ repeat championship hopes?
Losing Game 1 puts Los Angeles in a must‑win situation. While their roster boasts Cy Young talent and a potent offense, they’ll need to rely on veteran poise and early‑inning scoring to stay alive.
How often have the Blue Jays hosted a World Series game?
Prior to 2025, Toronto’s only World Series home game was in 1993, when Joe Carter delivered a walk‑off homer to clinch the title for the Blue Jays. This marks the first home game in 32 years.
Who are the key pitchers to watch in Game 2?
The Dodgers will likely start Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose 2024 postseason complete game showed he can dominate on the big stage. Toronto may turn to starter Kevin Gausman, who posted a 2.61 ERA in the regular season.