Addison Barger Grand Slam Highlights Nine Run Sixth Inning as Toronto Blue Jays Stun Dodgers in Series Opener
Written byTimes Magazine
The Toronto Blue Jays made an emphatic statement in Game 1 of the World Series, demolishing the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in a stunning performance at Rogers Centre. What began as a tightly contested affair quickly morphed into a historic rout, thanks to a colossal nine run sixth inning that electrified the home crowd and firmly positioned the Blue Jays as a serious threat to the defending champions. This was Toronto's first World Series game in 32 years, and they certainly delivered a memorable one, turning a potential David vs Goliath narrative on its head.
The Dodgers, benefiting from a restful layoff after sweeping their League Championship Series, initially drew first blood. They pieced together runs in the second and third innings against Toronto’s rookie starter Trey Yesavage, taking an early 2-0 lead on RBI singles by Kiké Hernández and Will Smith. The 22 year old Yesavage managed to limit the damage, stranding runners in scoring position and escaping a bases loaded jam in the second inning, a crucial early effort that kept the Blue Jays within striking distance. His gutsy four inning performance, allowing just two runs, proved to be just enough to bridge the game to the Toronto bullpen.
The Blue Jays' offense finally woke up in the fourth inning against Dodgers ace Blake Snell. Catcher Alejandro Kirk led off with a single, and Daulton Varsho followed by blasting a two run homer to center field, tying the game 2-2. The explosion came in the sixth inning, starting with a gritty leadoff walk by the returning Bo Bichette, who was playing his first game in seven weeks after a knee injury and was immediately pinch run for by Isiah Kiner Falefa. Kirk then singled, and Varsho was hit by a pitch to load the bases, ending Snell’s night.
What followed was one of the most remarkable innings in World Series history. Reliever Emmet Sheehan took over and immediately allowed an RBI single to Ernie Clement, giving Toronto its first lead at 3-2. Pinch hitter Nathan Lukes drew a bases loaded walk to force in another run, and Andrés Giménez added an RBI single, making it 5-2 and chasing Sheehan. With the bases still loaded, Addison Barger, pinch hitting for Davis Schneider, strode to the plate. Barger promptly crushed a hanging slider from Anthony Banda 413 feet for the first pinch hit grand slam in World Series history, blowing the game wide open at 9-2. Kirk capped the nine run frame the third most in a World Series inning ever with a two run homer, resulting in the final 11-4 score, despite a late two run shot from Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers. The victory was a huge show of offensive force, showcasing Toronto’s depth and their ability to punish an overworked opposing bullpen.
