LOS ANGELES -- Dodger Stadium was still reverberating with joy when Monday turned into Tuesday, as the Toronto Blue Jays walked into their clubhouse after a grueling 18-inning loss in Game 3. The defeat felt monumental, casting a shadow that could have already determined the outcome of the World Series. However, it was at this critical moment that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped up, delivering an inspiring message to his team. He reminded them that despite the drama of Game 3, the importance of Game 4 was equal. “I was the last one to go in,” Guerrero recounted. “I saw everybody with their heads down. I said, ‘Come on, bro. Head up. It’s not over yet. They gotta win four. Four games. You have to win four games to win the World Series. It’s not over.’”
Guerrero not only motivated his team but also backed up his words with action, hitting a crucial two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani Tuesday night. After a swift nine innings wrapped up in less than three hours, the resilient Blue Jays managed to even the World Series once again with a decisive 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Guerrero's homer came in the third inning, while Shane Bieber delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, allowing only four hits through the sixth inning. The AL champion Blue Jays bounced back from their heartbreaking loss with exceptional performances both at the plate and on the mound.
“Coming off what could be a back-breaking loss last night, it was an absolute pleasure to show up today and see nobody change,” Bieber said. “Nobody ever wavers. Nobody ever hesitates. It’s the same group of guys each and every day.” By handing the defending champion Dodgers just their third loss in 14 games this postseason, the Blue Jays reclaimed home-field advantage and ensured that the World Series trophy would be contested at Rogers Centre.
“I believe in this team, man,” Guerrero exclaimed, showcasing his confidence after hitting his seventh homer of the postseason. “This team is something special.” The pivotal Game 5 is set for Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, followed by Game 6 in Toronto on Friday. Ohtani made a remarkable attempt at short rest, taking the mound just over 17 hours after an incredible performance where he reached base nine times and recorded four extra-base hits in the Dodgers’ previous victory. In Game 4, he gave up four runs on six hits while pitching into the seventh inning, striking out six batters.
Despite Guerrero's towering homer, the Blue Jays continued to capitalize on Ohtani's struggles, scoring two additional runs in the seventh inning and forcing him out of the game. Ohtani couldn’t make up for it at the plate, going 0 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts, remaining on deck when the game concluded. The Dodgers’ offensive output was disappointing, managing only six hits, with just one being an extra-base hit. “We're facing quality arms at this time of year against really good teams,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “It’s not that easy. At the same time, we could do at least the bare minimum and put up some runs.”
In contrast to Ohtani, Shane Bieber, who made his World Series debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery, turned in a stellar performance. The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner allowed just one run over 5 1/3 innings, showcasing his resilience and determination. An Orange County native, Bieber had friends and family cheering him on from the stands, and despite issuing three walks, he effectively navigated through trouble, stranding four runners before handing off to Mason Fluharty in the sixth inning.
“I think we knew it was going to be a great series,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted. “This team is talented, they’re resilient — talking about the Blue Jays — and they came back fighting. Bieber does what he does... and we really didn’t get a whole lot of good swings.” The Dodgers had scored first for the fourth consecutive game, thanks to a sacrifice fly from Kiké Hernández that brought home Max Muncy in the second inning. However, the Blue Jays finally broke their 13-inning scoring drought when Guerrero launched his homer in the third inning, igniting their offense.
As the Blue Jays celebrated their comeback, Toronto manager John Schneider praised Guerrero's swing, emphasizing its significance in regaining momentum. “After last night and all the recognition that went into Shohei individually, it’s a huge swing from Vlad. It’s a huge swing to get us going,” Schneider said. The Blue Jays continued their assault in the seventh inning, with Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement setting the stage for a series of runs that solidified their victory.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will need to continue their strong performance without George Springer, who left Game 3 with a right side injury. The upcoming Game 5 features a pitching rematch between Dodgers lefty Blake Snell, who has a 3-1 record and a 2.42 ERA, and Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage, who holds a 2-1 record with a 4.26 ERA. This matchup will be crucial, as Toronto previously handed Snell his only loss of the postseason, chasing him early in a nine-run sixth inning during an 11-4 win.
