World Series 2025: Blue Jays Dominate Dodgers in Historic Game 1 Showdown
The 2025 World Series has exploded into action with one of the most memorable opening games in Fall Classic history. The Toronto Blue Jays stunned the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers with an emphatic 11-4 victory in Game 1, featuring baseball's first-ever pinch-hit grand slam in World Series competition. As fans worldwide tune in to witness this epic clash between two baseball powerhouses, we've got everything you need to know about this historic championship series.
Who Won Game 1 of the World Series 2025?
The Toronto Blue Jays dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1 on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto. This victory marks Toronto's first World Series win since 1993—exactly 32 years and one day later. The Blue Jays now lead the series 1-0 as they pursue their first championship in over three decades.
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Historic Pinch-Hit Grand Slam Makes World Series History
The game's defining moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history. Facing Dodgers reliever Anthony Banda, Barger's blast turned a close 2-2 game into a commanding 9-2 Blue Jays advantage. This historic home run wasn't just the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history—it was also the first postseason grand slam in Toronto Blue Jays franchise history.
What is a Pinch Hit? Understanding Baseball's Strategic Substitution
For those wondering "what is a pinch hit" or "pinch hitter," it's a strategic baseball move where a substitute batter replaces the scheduled hitter. Teams typically use pinch hitters in crucial situations when they need a specific advantage—perhaps bringing in a left-handed batter against a right-handed pitcher, or substituting a power hitter when a home run could change the game.
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Addison Barger's pinch-hit grand slam exemplifies this strategy's potential impact. Manager John Schneider's decision to send Barger to the plate with the bases loaded paid off spectacularly, creating an unforgettable World Series moment.
What is a Grand Slam in Baseball?
A grand slam occurs when a batter hits a home run with all three bases occupied by runners, scoring four runs with one swing. It's baseball's most exciting offensive play, and Barger's grand slam helped fuel a historic nine-run sixth inning that demolished the Dodgers' championship hopes in Game 1.
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Blue Jays' Explosive Sixth Inning Rewrites Record Books
Toronto's nine-run sixth inning became the third-largest scoring explosion in World Series history. Only two innings surpass it: the Philadelphia Athletics' 10-run seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs in 1929, and the Detroit Tigers' 10-run third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.
The rally started modestly but snowballed dramatically:
- With the score tied 2-2, Toronto began loading the bases
- Dodgers ace Blake Snell, who had been dominant throughout the playoffs, suddenly couldn't find his command
- Snell allowed 8 hits, 5 earned runs, 3 walks, and a hit-by-pitch before being removed
- Barger's pinch-hit grand slam made it 9-2
- Alejandro Kirk followed with a two-run homer, pushing the score to 11-2
The Rogers Centre crowd erupted in celebration, sensing their team's first World Series victory in 32 years was within reach.
World Series 2025 Schedule: When is Game 2 and Complete Calendar
Here's the complete World Series 2025 schedule (all times ET):
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24 - Blue Jays 11, Dodgers 4 (Toronto leads 1-0)
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25 - 8:00 PM (FOX/FOX Deportes) - Rogers Centre, Toronto
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27 - 8:00 PM (FOX/FOX Deportes) - Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28 - 8:00 PM (FOX/FOX Deportes) - Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 29 - 8:00 PM (if necessary) - Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Game 6: Friday, Oct. 31 - 8:00 PM (if necessary) - Rogers Centre, Toronto
Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 1 - 8:00 PM (if necessary) - Rogers Centre, Toronto
All games air on FOX and FOX Deportes, with ESPN Radio providing live national coverage. Canadian fans can watch on Sportsnet TV and Radio.
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Dodgers vs Blue Jays Score: Game 1 Complete Breakdown
The Toronto Blue Jays' 11-4 victory shocked many baseball analysts who predicted a Dodgers championship run. Here's how the game unfolded:
Final Score: Toronto Blue Jays 11, Los Angeles Dodgers 4
Dodgers Game Score by Innings:
- Through 5 innings: LAD 2, TOR 2 (tied game)
- After 6 innings: LAD 2, TOR 11 (9-run Blue Jays explosion)
- Final: LAD 4, TOR 11
Key Performances:
Toronto Blue Jays:
- Addison Barger: First pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history
- Alejandro Kirk: 2-run home run in the sixth inning
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Continued his dominant postseason performance
- Trey Yesavage: 4 innings, 2 earned runs (winning pitcher)
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Blake Snell: 5+ innings, 8 hits, 5 earned runs (struggled after dominating the playoffs)
- Anthony Banda: Gave up Barger's historic grand slam
- Shohei Ohtani: Walked in the ninth inning amid "We don't need him" chants
Blue Jays World Series History: Championship Legacy
The Toronto Blue Jays have an impressive World Series record, having won two consecutive championships in the early 1990s:
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How Many World Series Have the Blue Jays Won?
The Blue Jays have won 2 World Series championships:
- 1992: Defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2
- 1993: Defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2
These back-to-back championships made the Blue Jays the first (and still only) team outside the United States to win the World Series. They're also one of only two MLB franchises undefeated through multiple World Series appearances, sharing this distinction with the Miami Marlins.
Blue Jays Last World Series Win: The 1993 Championship
The Blue Jays' last World Series win came on October 23, 1993, when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8-6 in Game 6 at the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) in Toronto. That legendary team featured Hall of Famers and All-Stars including:
- Roberto Alomar (Hall of Fame second baseman)
- Joe Carter (whose walk-off home run won the series)
- Paul Molitor (Hall of Famer)
- John Olerud (batting champion)
- Devon White (Gold Glove center fielder)
- Dave Stewart, Jack Morris, and Jimmy Key (pitching stars)
Joe Carter's iconic walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 remains one of baseball's most memorable moments. The 32-year wait for Toronto to return to the World Series makes this 2025 appearance even more meaningful for Blue Jays fans.
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Blue Jays World Series Appearances: Championship Pedigree
The Toronto Blue Jays have appeared in 3 World Series:
- 1992 - Won vs. Atlanta Braves (4-2)
- 1993 - Won vs. Philadelphia Phillies (4-2)
- 2025 - Currently playing vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (leads 1-0)
This perfect World Series record (2-0 entering 2025) demonstrates the Blue Jays' championship pedigree. If they defeat the Dodgers, Toronto will become only the third franchise to win 3+ World Series without ever losing one.
Dodgers World Series Wins: Historic Franchise Success
How Many World Series Have the Dodgers Won?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won 8 World Series championships:
- 1955 (as Brooklyn Dodgers)
- 1959
- 1963
- 1965
- 1981
- 1988
- 2020
- 2024
The Dodgers' 2024 championship victory makes them the defending World Series champions entering this series. Los Angeles is attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in 25 years (since the New York Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000).
LA vs Toronto: David vs Goliath or Battle of Giants?
Despite narratives suggesting the Blue Jays are underdogs, this matchup features two of baseball's highest-spending franchises:
2025 Payrolls:
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Over $300 million (highest in MLB)
- Toronto Blue Jays: $258 million (5th highest in MLB)
The Blue Jays' roster includes massive investments:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: 14-year, $500 million extension (3rd largest contract in MLB history)
- George Springer: 9-figure free agent signing
- Kevin Gausman: 9-figure free agent signing
- Max Scherzer: 3-time Cy Young winner signed in 2024
- Shane Bieber: Cy Young winner acquired at trade deadline
This isn't David versus Goliath—it's a clash of baseball titans.
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Key Players to Watch: Blue Jays vs Dodgers Superstars
Toronto Blue Jays Stars:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ("Vladdy"): The Blue Jays' MVP and heart of their lineup. Son of Montreal Expos legend Vladimir Guerrero Sr., Vladdy Jr. has been dominant throughout the postseason. His $500 million contract extension keeps him in Toronto through 2038, cementing his status as the franchise's cornerstone player.
George Springer: The veteran leader showed incredible toughness in the ALCS, getting hit by a pitch in Game 6 but returning to hit a crucial three-run homer in Game 7 against Seattle. His championship experience (World Series MVP with Houston in 2017) provides invaluable playoff leadership.
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Addison Barger: Now forever etched in baseball history with his pinch-hit grand slam. The outfielder seized his moment on baseball's biggest stage, becoming the first player to hit a pinch-hit grand slam in World Series competition.
Kevin Gausman: Starting pitcher for Game 2, Gausman must continue the Blue Jays' pitching success. Toronto's pitching staff has dominated throughout the playoffs despite being perceived as their weakness entering October.
Los Angeles Dodgers Stars:
Shohei Ohtani: The two-way superstar remains baseball's most captivating player. In the NLCS Game 4, Ohtani struck out 10 batters over six innings while also hitting three home runs at the plate. He's the leading candidate for World Series MVP if the Dodgers can recover from their Game 1 loss.
Blake Snell: Despite his Game 1 struggles, the two-time Cy Young Award winner had been nearly unhittable in the playoffs before facing Toronto. He allowed just 2 earned runs in 21 innings across his first three postseason starts. The Dodgers need him to bounce back.
Mookie Betts: Perennial All-Star and one of baseball's best all-around players. Betts' offensive production and defensive brilliance will be crucial for the Dodgers' comeback hopes.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The Japanese pitching sensation starts Game 2 for Los Angeles. Yamamoto must stabilize the Dodgers after Snell's uncharacteristic rough outing.
Dodgers Bullpen Concerns: Game 1's Critical Weakness
One of Game 1's most alarming developments for Los Angeles was their bullpen's complete meltdown. Before Friday night, the Dodgers' bullpen hadn't taken a loss all postseason despite a concerning 4.88 ERA entering the game.
The sixth-inning collapse exposed serious vulnerabilities:
- Ben Sheehan and Anthony Banda, considered among the team's top four relievers, were hammered
- Alex Vesia, another key reliever, is likely unavailable for the series
- The Dodgers now rely heavily on Blake Treinen and rookie Roki Sasaki
With Treinen struggling throughout the playoffs and Sasaki working in relief for the first time in his career, the Dodgers' bullpen could be their Achilles heel. If their elite starting rotation can't pitch deep into games, Los Angeles faces serious trouble.
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Blue Jays Pitching: Defying Expectations in October
Despite entering the playoffs with questions about their pitching depth, the Blue Jays have dramatically outperformed expectations:
Postseason Pitching Highlights:
- Held the mighty Seattle Mariners lineup in check during the ALCS
- Limited opponents despite throwing the fewest strikes of any playoff team
- More than a quarter of opponents' plate appearances went to three-ball counts, yet Toronto still found ways to win
- Rookie Trey Yesavage, who began the season at Low-A Dunedin, delivered a gutsy Game 1 performance
Toronto's "bend but don't break" pitching approach has worked brilliantly. By walking batters and working deep counts, they've actually created opportunities to limit damage while tiring opposing lineups.
World Series 2025 Predictions: Who Will Win?
MLB experts were divided before the series began, but Game 1's result has shifted momentum dramatically. Here were the pre-series predictions:
Expert Picks:
- Dodgers in 5 games: 21 votes
- Dodgers in 6 games: 12 votes
- Blue Jays in 6 games: 9 votes
- Dodgers in 7 games: 3 votes
- Blue Jays in 7 games: 11 votes
World Series MVP Predictions:
- Shohei Ohtani (LAD): 25 votes
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR): Significant support
After Game 1's shocking result, the Blue Jays have seized home-field advantage and momentum. Vladdy Guerrero Jr.'s continued dominance and Addison Barger's historic performance have energized Toronto's championship pursuit.
Where is the World Series 2025 Being Played?
The 2025 World Series is being played at two locations:
Rogers Centre, Toronto (Games 1, 2, 6*, 7*)
- Home of the Toronto Blue Jays
- Capacity: 49,282 for baseball
- Originally named SkyDome (1989-2005)
- Site of Blue Jays' 1992 and 1993 championship clinching victories
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles (Games 3, 4, 5*)
- Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers
- Capacity: 56,000
- Opened in 1962
- One of baseball's most iconic venues
*if necessary
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World Series 2025 Tickets: How to Attend History
World Series tickets are among the most expensive and sought-after in sports. Secondary market prices for the 2025 Fall Classic range from:
- Upper deck seats: $400-$800
- Lower level seats: $1,200-$3,000
- Premium seats: $5,000-$15,000+
Tickets are available through:
- Official MLB Ticket Sales
- Team box offices (Blue Jays and Dodgers)
- Secondary marketplaces (StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek)
- Premium hospitality packages
With the Blue Jays leading 1-0, Toronto home game tickets (Games 2, 6, and 7) are becoming increasingly expensive as fans sense a potential championship clinch.
World Series 2025 Standings: Playoff Journey to the Fall Classic
Both teams navigated challenging playoff paths to reach the World Series:
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Toronto Blue Jays' Playoff Run:
Wild Card Series vs. New York Yankees: Won 3-1
- Game 1: NYY 3, TOR 1
- Game 2: TOR 13, NYY 7
- Game 3: TOR 5, NYY 2
Division Series vs. Seattle Mariners: Won 3-2
- Game 1: SEA 3, TOR 1
- Game 2: SEA 10, TOR 3
- Game 3: TOR 13, SEA 4
- Game 4: TOR 8, SEA 2
- Game 5: SEA 6, TOR 2
Championship Series vs. Seattle Mariners: Won 4-3
- Game 1: SEA 3, TOR 1
- Game 2: SEA 10, TOR 3
- Game 3: TOR 13, SEA 4
- Game 4: TOR 8, SEA 2
- Game 5: SEA 6, TOR 2
- Game 6: TOR (won)
- Game 7: TOR 7 (won, Guerrero wore Maple Leafs jersey)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Playoff Run:
Wild Card Series vs. Cincinnati Reds: Won 2-0
Division Series vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Won 3-1
Championship Series vs. Milwaukee Brewers: Won 4-0 (sweep)
The Dodgers' rotation dominated the Brewers, allowing minimal runs throughout the NLCS. However, Toronto's explosive offense broke through immediately in Game 1.
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Game 2 Preview: Can the Dodgers Even the Series?
Game 2 on Saturday night, October 25 at 8:00 PM ET will be crucial for both teams:
Starting Pitchers:
- Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (RHP)
- Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP)
What the Blue Jays Need:
- Continue aggressive hitting against Dodgers' pitching
- Exploit Los Angeles' struggling bullpen
- Maintain home crowd energy at Rogers Centre
- Get solid innings from Kevin Gausman
What the Dodgers Need:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto must pitch deep into the game
- Bullpen needs to avoid another meltdown
- Offense must solve Toronto's pitching approach
- Prevent falling into an 0-2 series deficit
Falling behind 0-2 with the series shifting to Los Angeles would be disastrous for the Dodgers. No team has come back from an 0-2 deficit in the World Series since the 2016 Chicago Cubs.
Historical Context: Blue Jays vs Dodgers Timeline
While these franchises have never met in the World Series before 2025, their histories are rich with playoff success:
Toronto Blue Jays Franchise History:
- Founded: 1977 (expansion team)
- First winning season: 1983
- First division title: 1985
- World Series championships: 1992, 1993
- Years between World Series appearances: 32 (1993-2025)
Los Angeles Dodgers Franchise History:
- Founded: 1883 (as Brooklyn Atlantics)
- Moved to Los Angeles: 1958
- World Series championships: 8 total
- Back-to-back championships: Attempting their first since 1988
The 32-year gap between Blue Jays World Series appearances is one of the longest championship droughts to be broken in recent baseball history.
The Canadian Baseball Renaissance: Why This Series Matters
For Canadian baseball fans, this World Series represents more than just championship glory—it's a cultural moment. The Blue Jays remain Canada's only MLB team after the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington D.C. in 2005.
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Toronto's success has unified a nation:
- Prime Minister and political leaders celebrating together
- Coast-to-coast viewing parties
- Record television ratings in Canada
- Social media explosion across Canadian platforms
As one Canadian journalist noted: "This World Series run feels like a national exhale" in an era of political division and economic uncertainty. Sports have the power to unite, and the Blue Jays' championship pursuit is bringing joy to millions across Canada.
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World Series 2025 MLB: Broadcasting and Global Reach
The 2025 World Series is being broadcast to unprecedented global audiences:
United States:
- Television: FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports App
- Radio: ESPN Radio (English), Univision Radio (Spanish)
- Streaming: FOX One, MLB.TV (for authenticated subscribers)
Canada:
- Television & Radio: Sportsnet (exclusive Canadian rights)
International:
- 203 countries
- 44 media partners
- 16 different languages
FOX's national pregame show begins at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT) before each 8:00 PM first pitch. MLB Network provides extensive studio coverage through shows like MLB Tonight, MLB Central, MLB Now, and Intentional Talk.
Social Media Buzz: World Series 2025 Reactions
The Game 1 pinch-hit grand slam has dominated social media:
Trending Topics:
- #WorldSeries2025
- #BlueJays
- #AddisonBarger
- #PinchHitHistory
- #LetsGoBlueJays
Viral Moments:
- Barger's grand slam replay (millions of views)
- Rogers Centre crowd eruption videos
- "We don't need him" Shohei Ohtani chants
- Vladdy Guerrero Jr. celebration footage
- Historical comparison graphics
Canadian Twitter and social media platforms experienced record engagement during and after Game 1, with the Blue Jays' official accounts gaining hundreds of thousands of new followers overnight.
Betting Odds and World Series 2025 Predictions
Before Game 1, oddsmakers favored the Dodgers, but the line has shifted significantly:
Updated Series Odds (after Game 1):
- Blue Jays: -140 (implied 58% probability)
- Dodgers: +120 (implied 45% probability)
Game 2 Odds:
- Blue Jays: -125
- Dodgers: +105
The betting market now gives Toronto the advantage, reflecting Game 1's dominant performance and home-field advantage for Game 2.
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Keys to Victory: What Each Team Must Do
Toronto Blue Jays' Path to Championship:
- Maintain Offensive Aggression: Continue attacking Dodgers' pitching early and often
- Exploit Bullpen Weakness: Work deep counts to expose Los Angeles' relief pitching
- Protect Home Field: Win at least one of Games 2, 6, or 7 at Rogers Centre
- Vladdy Dominance: Keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hot at the plate
- Pitching Efficiency: Get quality starts to avoid overworking the bullpen
Los Angeles Dodgers' Championship Formula:
- Starting Pitching Depth: Rotation must pitch 6-7 innings per start
- Protect the Bullpen: Avoid situations requiring extended relief work
- Offensive Awakening: Break through Toronto's pitching approach
- Home Field Advantage: Win all three games at Dodger Stadium (Games 3, 4, 5)
- Shohei's Brilliance: Need MVP-level performance from Ohtani
World Series Format and Rules
The World Series follows a 2-3-2 format:
- Games 1-2: Higher seed's home park (Toronto's Rogers Centre)
- Games 3-5: Lower seed's home park (Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium)
- Games 6-7: Return to higher seed's home park (Toronto's Rogers Centre)
The team that wins four games first claims the World Series championship. This format gives the Blue Jays home-field advantage, including potential Games 6 and 7 at Rogers Centre.
Injury Updates and Roster News
Toronto Blue Jays:
- All key players healthy and available
- George Springer overcame knee injury from ALCS
- Full roster depth for all seven potential games
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Alex Vesia (reliever): Questionable/doubtful for series
- Bullpen depth concerns remain
- Starting rotation healthy
The Dodgers' bullpen injuries could prove decisive if games become close in the late innings.
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Conclusion: A World Series for the Ages
The 2025 World Series has already delivered unforgettable drama with Addison Barger's historic pinch-hit grand slam and Toronto's nine-run explosion in Game 1. As the series continues, several compelling storylines will unfold:
- Can the Blue Jays end their 32-year championship drought?
- Will the Dodgers become baseball's first back-to-back champions in 25 years?
- Can Vladimir Guerrero Jr. deliver a championship to Canada?
- Will Shohei Ohtani's brilliance be enough to overcome Toronto's offensive firepower?
Game 2 on Saturday night will be pivotal. A Blue Jays victory would put them one game away from forcing the series back to Toronto with a chance to clinch. A Dodgers win would even the series and shift momentum as the teams travel to Los Angeles.
Baseball fans worldwide are witnessing championship-caliber baseball at its finest. This World Series represents everything great about October baseball: dramatic home runs, dominant pitching, managerial strategy, and the pure emotion of athletes competing for sport's ultimate prize.
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Stay tuned for Game 2, and don't miss a moment of this historic Fall Classic!
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Article last updated: October 25, 2025, following Game 1 results. Game 2 coverage will be posted following Saturday's matchup.
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