Blue Jays Dominate Dodgers with 11-4 Victory in World Series Opener | TNNEWS

Blue Jays Dominate Dodgers in World Series Opener

TORONTO – In a historic moment, Addison Barger hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, while Alejandro Kirk contributed a two-run homer during a remarkable nine-run sixth inning. The Toronto Blue Jays triumphed over the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, with an 11-4 victory on Friday night.

Team Effort Shines

“This is what our offense is all about,” remarked Ernie Clement, the Blue Jays’ third baseman, who delivered a crucial single to break the tie in the sixth inning. “Everyone contributes and does their part.”

Varsho Sparks Comeback

Daulton Varsho ignited Toronto’s rally from a 2-0 deficit with a two-run homer in the fourth inning against Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

“I’ve faced him many times before, and he’s usually had the upper hand,” Varsho admitted. “You just have to give it your best shot and see what happens.”

Historic Return to Toronto

The World Series returned to Toronto for the first time since 1993, a year remembered for Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off homer. Interestingly, Varsho is named after Darren Daulton, the catcher during that legendary moment.

Ohtani’s Effort Falls Short

Shohei Ohtani hit his first Series home run for the Dodgers, who aim to be the first repeat champions since the Yankees’ streak from 1998-2000. Despite his efforts, the Dodgers were trailing by nine when he hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning.

Fans expressed their discontent with Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers with a $700 million contract, chanting, “We don’t need you!”

Looking Ahead

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is set for Saturday night at Rogers Centre.

“Our fans bring incredible energy every night,” Clement said. “They’ve been filling the stadium and giving us a boost. We’re fortunate to have them.”

Dodgers’ Early Lead

After a week-long break following their National League Championship Series sweep, the Dodgers took an early 2-0 lead with RBI singles from Kiké Hernández and Will Smith.

Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage, at just 22 years old, made his fourth postseason start, becoming the second-youngest pitcher to start a World Series opener.

Key Performances

Yesavage managed to escape several tight situations, leaving the bases loaded in the second inning and striking out Max Muncy with a runner on third in the third inning.

Seranthony Domínguez secured the win with 1 1/3 hitless innings.

Snell’s Struggles

Varsho’s homer was the first by a left-handed batter off Snell since June of the previous year. Snell allowed five runs, eight hits, and three walks over five-plus innings.

“Blake struggled with his fastball command,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted. “There were some costly walks.”

Blue Jays’ Offensive Surge

Toronto, fresh off a seven-game ALCS against Seattle, recorded 14 hits. Bo Bichette, returning from an injury, played a pivotal role alongside Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., marking the first time three sons of former major leaguers started for one team in a Series game.

Bichette, playing second base for the first time in six years, made significant contributions both offensively and defensively.

Decisive Sixth Inning

In the sixth inning, Clement’s single gave Toronto a 3-2 lead, followed by a bases-loaded walk and an RBI single. Barger then hit a 413-foot grand slam, extending the lead to 9-2.

“It was a surreal moment,” Barger said. “I just wanted to make contact and drive in a run.”

Upcoming Matchup

Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blue Jays’ Kevin Gausman are set to start in Game 2. Yamamoto, who excelled in last year’s Series, will face Gausman, making his Series debut.