Addison Barger made history by smashing the first grand slam by a pinch-hitter in World Series history, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a stunning 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the 'Fall Classic'. The excitement was palpable as a packed crowd filled Rogers Centre in Toronto, marking the first World Series game in Canada since 1993.
The Blue Jays delivered an explosive performance, scoring an impressive nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Despite a stellar home run from Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, the defending champions, the Dodgers, were unable to recover as the Blue Jays struck first in this best-of-seven series.
The Dodgers initially took control of the game, with Enrique Hernandez driving in Teoscar Hernandez in the second inning. This was followed by Will Smith driving in Mookie Betts in the third, giving Los Angeles an early 2-0 lead. However, the momentum shifted when Daulton Varsho tied the game at 2-2 with a powerful two-run homer to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The turning point came in the sixth inning when the Blue Jays capitalized on a critical moment. Dodgers' starting pitcher Blake Snell was removed after hitting Varsho with a pitch, loading the bases with no outs. Toronto's Ernie Clement then singled off reliever Emmet Sheehan, giving the Blue Jays their first lead of the game. Following this, Sheehan walked in another run, and a line drive from Andres Gimenez extended the lead to 5-2.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attempted to change the tide by bringing in Anthony Banda, but this decision backfired dramatically. Barger stepped up and hit a grand slam that cleared the bases, bringing the score to 9-2. The Blue Jays weren't finished yet; Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer of his own, extending the lead to 11-2, effectively sealing the game for Toronto.
Ohtani showcased his remarkable talent with a two-run homer in the seventh inning, but it was too late for the National League champions to make a significant comeback. Interestingly, Toronto had previously attempted to sign Ohtani before he moved across Los Angeles from the Angels to the Dodgers. As he stepped up to bat in the ninth inning, the home fans chanted, "We don't need him!" emphasizing their support for the Blue Jays.
Game two of the World Series is scheduled for Saturday evening, again at Rogers Centre in Toronto, before the series shifts to Los Angeles. The Blue Jays are eager to build on their momentum, while the Dodgers aim to bounce back and even the series.