Grand Opening: Barger hits grand slam as Jays beat Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays made their long-awaited return to the World Series a triumphant one Friday night by dumping the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1 at Rogers Centre.
Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk hit two-run homers and Addison Barger hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history in Toronto’s nine-run sixth inning.
It was the Blue Jays’ first appearance in the Fall Classic since 1993. Game 2 will be played Saturday in Toronto.
Alejandro Kirk had three of Toronto’s 14 hits. Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run homer for the defending champion Dodgers.
Before the game, Bo Bichette returned to the Toronto roster after a seven-week absence due to a knee injury. He had a hit and a walk in two at-bats.
Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston — who guided the team to World Series titles in 1992 and ’93 — fired up the sellout crowd of 44,353 by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
Toronto rookie starter Trey Yesavage allowed two earned runs over four innings. Seranthony Dominguez (2-0) got four outs for the win.
Dodgers starter Blake Snell (3-1) gave up five earned runs over five-plus innings.
The series will shift to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Monday and Game 4 on Tuesday.
TAKEAWAYS
Blue Jays: Manager John Schneider worked his bench effectively, bringing in Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nathan Lukes and Barger in the sixth inning. All three players scored in the frame as the Blue Jays pulled away.
Dodgers: Considered the weak point in the potent Dodgers’ roster, the bullpen showed major cracks. Relievers Emmet Sheehan and Anthony Banda gave up three earned runs apiece.
KEY MOMENT
Bichette’s first test at second base came in the third inning. Teoscar Hernandez hit a grounder that Bichette speared on the backhand before making a strong cross-body throw to first base for the out.
KEY STAT
The Blue Jays’ return to the Fall Classic after 32 years ended the eighth-longest active streak in MLB between World Series games played.
COMING UP
Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.00 ERA) was scheduled to start Game 2 against Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2-1, 1.83).
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2025.