Blue Jays rout Dodgers to take lead in 2025 World Series

The Toronto Blue Jays opened the World Series with a performance that bordered on offensive perfection. At the Rogers Centre, the Canadians defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in a game that completely changed course in the sixth inning, when Toronto unleashed a nine-run rally. With this result, John Schneider's team took a 1-0 lead in the series and sent a powerful message to the National League champions.

During the first innings, it seemed the Dodgers were taking control of the game. With RBI singles by Kiké Hernández and Mookie Betts, the Angels took a 2-0 lead and briefly silenced the Canadian crowd. Toronto 's rookie starter, Trey Yesavage, got off to a shaky start but recovered and managed to keep the score under control until the offense responded.

Varsho ignited the comeback

The Blue Jays ' comeback began in the fourth inning, when Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer off Blake Snell, tying the score at 2-2. That blast was symbolic: not only did it spark the team, but it also represented Snell's first home run allowed by a left-handed hitter all season. From that moment on, Toronto gained momentum and never looked back.

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In the bottom of the sixth inning, the home offense exploded. With the bases loaded and no outs, Bo Bichette led off the inning with a single, Alejandro Kirk followed with another, and Varsho was hit. The table was set for Addison Barger, who came in as a pinch hitter and hit a historic grand slam, the first as a pinch hitter in World Series history.

An avalanche of nine races

The rally didn't stop there. Just three batters later, Kirk himself hit a two-run homer to make it 11-2 and unleash a frenzy at the Rogers Centre. In total, the Blue Jays scored nine runs in that inning, sealing the game's fate and leaving the Los Angeles bullpen without a response.

Blake Snell took the loss after allowing five runs in just over five innings, while Yesavage completed four innings of work, allowing two runs and showing remarkable composure in the pressure situations. From the bullpen, Tim Mayza and Jordan Romano maintained their dominance and finished without any surprises.

Ohtani scored, but the damage was already done.

The Dodgers attempted to respond with a two-run homer by Shohei Ohtani in the seventh, making it 11-4 , but the deficit was insurmountable. Neither the Japanese power nor the lineup adjustments were able to reverse the loss against an inspired Toronto team, which capitalized on every error and punished every weak pitch.

Toronto commands respect at home

The victory not only represents a victory on the scoreboard, but also a significant morale boost. The Blue Jays , who hadn't played in a World Series since 1993, demonstrated that their lineup—featuring Bichette, Guerrero Jr., Varsho, and Kirk—has enough power to compete with the most expensive roster in the major leagues.

With this result, Toronto leads the series 1-0 and will look to extend their lead this Saturday with Kevin Gausman on the mound against Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a matchup that promises to be highly tense.