Blue Jays Crush Dodgers 11–4 in World Series Opener/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the Los Angeles Dodgers 11–4 in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series. Addison Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam led a record-setting offensive outburst, with homers also from Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk. The win gives Toronto early momentum as the Fall Classic returns to Canada for the first time since 1993.
Blue Jays Crush Dodgers 11–4 in World Series Opener — Quick Looks
- Toronto wins Game 1 of the World Series 11–4 at home.
- Addison Barger hits first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history.
- Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk also homer in 9-run sixth inning.
- Shohei Ohtani homers for Dodgers, drawing boos from Jays fans.
- Rookie Trey Yesavage starts for Toronto, holds LA to 2 runs in 4 innings.
- Dodgers starter Blake Snell allows 5 earned runs and takes the loss.
- Toronto’s offense explodes with 14 hits, including 3 home runs.
- Game 2 set for Saturday: Yamamoto vs. Gausman.
Deep Look
Blue Jays Unleash Offensive Power in 11–4 Rout Over Dodgers to Open 2025 World Series
In front of a thunderous Toronto crowd witnessing their first Fall Classic since 1993, the Blue Jays delivered a powerful statement in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, routing the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11–4.
Headlined by a historic grand slam from rookie Addison Barger, the Blue Jays launched a trio of home runs to seize control of the game in a record-setting sixth inning. Alejandro Kirk added a two-run shot, while Daulton Varsho sparked the comeback with a solo homer in the fourth.
The nine-run outburst was the third-highest scoring inning in World Series history and turned a 2–2 tie into a runaway victory for Toronto.
“Just madness,” said Barger, who became the first player to hit a pinch-hit grand slam in a World Series game.
A Historic Blast
Toronto fans had waited 32 years to see another World Series homer at Rogers Centre. They got three. But none were bigger than Barger’s. Called to pinch-hit in the sixth, the rookie connected on a hanging slider from Dodgers reliever Anthony Banda and sent it 413 feet to right-center field.
The grand slam capped a jaw-dropping inning in which 12 Blue Jays came to the plate. The chaos began with Bo Bichette drawing a full-count walk, followed by a go-ahead RBI single from Ernie Clement. Nathan Lukes walked in another run before Barger blew the game wide open.
Barger, staying on teammate Davis Schneider’s pullout couch due to a packed family house, delivered the most memorable swing of his young career.
From the Bullpen to the Bleachers
Alejandro Kirk capped the inning with a two-run homer, his fourth of the postseason, and finished the game 3-for-4. Earlier, he had just missed a homer off the right-field wall.
Varsho, who missed much of the regular season due to injury, tied the game 2–2 in the fourth with a two-run homer off Dodgers ace Blake Snell—his first allowed to a left-handed batter since June 2024.
For Varsho, the moment held deeper meaning. He was named after former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton, who was behind the plate when Joe Carter hit the iconic 1993 walk-off homer that clinched Toronto’s last title.
“It’s kind of a surreal moment, being full circle for me,” Varsho said. “It’s an honor to be named after him.”
Ohtani Goes Deep, Crowd Boos Loudly
Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who famously turned down a $700 million offer from the Blue Jays in 2023 to sign with Los Angeles, hit a two-run homer in the seventh. The crowd responded with jeers and chants of “We don’t need you!” every time he stepped to the plate.
“Don’t poke the bear,” Toronto starter Chris Bassitt warned after the game.
Ohtani’s blast, his fourth in two games, was one of few bright spots for a Dodgers lineup that left early chances on the table. They were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Yesavage’s Poise on the Big Stage
Toronto rookie Trey Yesavage, just 22 years old, made his World Series debut with nerves of steel. Despite allowing two early runs, he escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second and stranded another runner in the third. He became the second-youngest pitcher to start a World Series opener, behind only Ralph Branca in 1947.
“It was an insane experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said Yesavage, who began the season pitching in front of 327 fans in Class-A ball.
Reliever Seranthony Domínguez picked up the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Snell Struggles, Again
Blake Snell, pitching for the first time since October 13, struggled in his return to the Series. He was tagged for five runs on eight hits and three walks over five-plus innings. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner hadn’t given up a homer to a lefty in over a year.
“There’s no excuses. I need to be better. I need to throw strikes,” said Snell.
Bichette Returns, Jays Make History
Bo Bichette returned to the lineup after missing time with a sprained knee and played second base for the first time in six years. He contributed at the plate and in the field, helping Toronto become the first team in World Series history to start three sons of former major leaguers—Bichette, Varsho, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
What’s Next
Game 2 is set for Saturday night at Rogers Centre. Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will face Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman. Yamamoto, who pitched a complete-game three-hitter in the NLCS, won Game 2 of last year’s Series. Gausman will be making his first career World Series start.
Game 1 winners have claimed 23 of the past 27 titles, putting Toronto in a strong position as the series continues.
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