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.
Get daily National news
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.
- Manitoba’s Lotts chase Canada’s first world mixed doubles curling gold
- Call of the Wilde: Canadiens finish Game 2 with 3-2 OT loss against Tampa Bay to even the series
- Items stolen from Edmonton Oilers fan’s fence shrine
- Edmonton Oilers seek to hold serve at home in playoff series against Anaheim Ducks
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.
-
![]()
Blue Jays fans get ready for Game 1 of the World Series in Toronto -
![]()
Health Matters: Blue Jays pride can help improve mental health, research shows -
![]()
1993 World Series winner Rob Butler comments on 2025 World Series -
![]()
Anticipation builds for World Series Game 1 -
![]()
How are the Blue Jays feeling ahead of World Series?
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.