Barger’s Historic Pinch‑Hit Grand Slam Lifts Blue Jays

Addison Barger came off the bench and hit the first pinch‑hit grand slam in World Series history — a 413‑foot blast to right‑center off Anthony Banda — sparking a nine‑run sixth that propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to an 11‑4 win over defending champion Los Angeles in Game 1 at Rogers Centre. The inning was set up by a Bo Bichette walk and featured RBIs from Ernie Clement, a bases‑loaded walk to Nathan Lukes and an Andrés Giménez single before Alejandro Kirk capped the rally with a two‑run homer as Toronto batted around. Daulton Varsho earlier hit a two‑run homer that tied the game, and the Jays finished with three homers. Rookie starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings while Blake Snell and Dodgers relievers were roughed up in the decisive sixth. Barger’s slam was his third homer of the postseason and the first postseason grand slam in Blue Jays history, giving Toronto a 1‑0 lead in the best‑of‑seven series; Game 2 is scheduled in Toronto the next day and this was the Blue Jays’ first World Series game since 1993.