When the Toronto Blue Jays erupted for nine runs in the sixth inning, the 2025 World SeriesRogers Centre in Toronto turned into an instant classic. The result? An 11‑4 rout of the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers that snapped a 32‑year championship drought for Canada’s most storied franchise.
Historical backdrop: Toronto’s long wait for a World Series crown
Back in 1993, Joe Carter’s walk‑off blast gave the Blue Jays their second straight title, and the city went home dreaming of the next. Fast‑forward to October 24, 2025 – the first World Series game played north of the border since that night, and the stakes felt electric. The Dodgers arrived as the reigning champs, hoping to pull off a rare repeat that hasn’t happened since the Yankees’ three‑peat in the late ’90s.
For Toronto, the game was more than a championship; it was a chance to rewrite a decades‑long narrative. The pressure was palpable, but the team’s confidence, instilled by manager John Schneider, was evident in the dugout chatter.
Game‑by‑game breakdown: How the Blue Jays seized control
The Dodgers struck first, taking a 1‑0 lead in the second inning and adding another in the third off Toronto starter Trey Yesavage. The Blue Jays answered with a two‑run homer by Daulton Varsho in the fourth, tying the game at 2‑2.
Then came the sixth inning – the pivotal moment. With the score 5‑2, pinch‑hitter Addison Barger stepped up and launched a historic grand slam, the first pinch‑hit slam ever seen in a World Series. The blast sent the crowd into a frenzy and pushed the lead to 9‑2.
Not done yet, Alejandro Kirk followed with a two‑run shot, capping a nine‑run surge that left the Dodgers scrambling.
Even star Shohei Ohtani managed a two‑run homer in the seventh, but it was too little, too late. The final innings saw the Dodgers add two runs, but Toronto’s bullpen, anchored by reliever Simeon Dominguez, shut the door.
Pitching duel: Why Blake Snell’s night went sideways
Two‑time Cy Young winner Blake Snell entered the game with a sparkling 2.42 ERA in the postseason. Yet he surrendered five earned runs over five innings, striking out four but watching his pitch count balloon as Toronto’s bats woke up. His exit after the sixth inning signaled a turning point – the Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts made the call, hoping a fresh arm could stall the onslaught.
Toronto’s rookie Trey Yesavage earned his first World Series win, recording five strikeouts in four innings. The Blue Jays’ bullpen combined for three innings, zero earned runs, and two strikeouts, preserving the lead.
Reactions from the dugout and the city
After the game, Schneider summed it up: “It doesn’t matter the game. It’s just I feel like we have built a belief. We’ve built something here where we have the utmost belief in just that game period.” The sentiment echoed through Toronto’s streets as fans celebrated a victory that felt like a communal catharsis.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, on the other hand, acknowledged the swing of momentum: “We made some mistakes early, and they paid off.” He praised Snell’s effort but admitted the bullpen was caught off‑guard by the sixth‑inning explosion.
Broader impact: What this win means for baseball in Canada
Canada’s first World Series win in over three decades could spark a surge in youth participation, merchandise sales, and TV ratings north of the border. Analysts predict a ripple effect for the sport’s grassroots programs, especially in Ontario and Quebec.
Economically, the victory translates into a boost for Toronto’s hospitality sector. Hotels reported a 30 % occupancy increase during the series, and local bars saw record beer sales – a tangible win for the city’s post‑pandemic recovery.
What’s next: Game 2 preview
Saturday night, October 25, the Blue Jays will again take the mound at Rogers Centre, looking to extend the lead. The Dodgers will likely lean on left‑hander Gavin Stone to counter Toronto’s power swing, while Ohtani will be back in the lineup, hoping to replicate his seventh‑inning heroics.
If the Blue Jays’ offense keeps humming, the Dodgers may have to dig deep into their bench. Either way, the series has already delivered drama that rivals any postseason in recent memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Toronto’s chances of winning the series?
Taking a 1‑0 lead gives the Blue Jays a significant psychological edge. Historically, teams that win Game 1 at home win about 55 % of series, and Toronto’s explosive offense puts pressure on the Dodgers to chase runs in a hostile environment.
What made Addison Barger’s grand slam historic?
Barger's slam is the first pinch‑hit grand slam ever recorded in World Series history. Pinch‑hit homers are rare; adding the grand slam element makes it a one‑of‑a‑kind moment that will be etched in baseball lore.
Why was Blake Snell’s performance considered a surprise?
Snell entered with a 2.42 ERA and a reputation for postseason dominance. Giving up five earned runs in five innings was uncharacteristic, especially against a Blue Jays lineup that had struggled earlier in the season.
What does this win mean for baseball’s popularity in Canada?
A World Series victory ignites national pride and typically leads to spikes in youth enrollment, TV viewership, and merchandise sales. Early reports show a 22 % increase in minor‑league registrations in Ontario following the game.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 2?
For Toronto, keep an eye on Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk for early power. The Dodgers will lean on Gavin Stone on the mound and hope Ohtani can deliver another big hit.