Barger's Pinch-Hit Grand Slam Lifts Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11–4 in Game 1 of the World Series at Rogers Centre. A nine-run sixth inning, highlighted by Addison Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam — the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history — and a two-run homer by Alejandro Kirk, turned a 2–2 game into a rout; Toronto finished with 14 hits and forced high pitch counts. Dodgers starter Blake Snell struggled with command, was pulled after allowing five runs, and the Los Angeles bullpen was subsequently overwhelmed. Blue Jays fans loudly jeered Shohei Ohtani during the game, a reaction tied to his offseason decision to sign with the Dodgers, and managers and players on both teams reflected on execution and the momentum swing. The Dodgers now trail the series 0–1 as it continues.