The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a stunning defeat in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, falling 11–4 to the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. After a promising start, the Dodgers unraveled in the sixth inning, surrendering nine runs in what became one of the most dramatic collapses in recent postseason memory. The loss exposed a lingering weakness in Los Angeles’ bullpen and shifted momentum firmly in Toronto’s favor.
Game 1 Breakdown
Los Angeles opened the scoring early. Starter Blake Snell pitched through traffic in the first few innings, and the Dodgers’ offense capitalized with a 2–0 lead by the third.
Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts reached base multiple times, applying pressure on Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage, who was pulled after four innings.
Toronto responded in the fourth with a two-run homer from Daulton Varsho, tying the game. Snell returned for the sixth but quickly lost command, issuing a walk, allowing a single, and hitting a batter to load the bases.
Manager Dave Roberts turned to the bullpen, but the move backfired. Emmet Sheehan allowed consecutive run-scoring plays before being replaced by Anthony Banda.
Then came the turning point: Addison Barger, pinch-hitting, launched a hanging slider into the right-field seats for a grand slam — the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history.
Moments later, Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer, extending Toronto’s lead to 11–2. Ohtani homered in the seventh to cut the deficit, but the damage was done.
Quotes & Reactions: Coaches and Analysts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media postgame: “We didn’t execute. That inning got away from us fast, and we’ll need to regroup.”
Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised his team’s approach: “We stayed patient, worked counts, and took advantage of mistakes. That’s how you win in October.”
MLB Network analyst Pedro Martinez added: “The Dodgers’ bullpen has been shaky since July. Tonight, it cost them big.”
Impact Analysis: Series Implications
The loss puts immediate pressure on Los Angeles heading into Game 2. The absence of Alex Vesia, who missed Game 1 due to a personal matter, left the Dodgers short-handed in the bullpen. Roberts may need to adjust his pitching strategy, possibly leaning on starters for longer outings or giving younger arms a chance under pressure.
Toronto, meanwhile, gains confidence and momentum. Their patient approach and relentless lineup turned a close game into a rout, and they now hold a 1–0 lead in the series.
For the Dodgers, this isn’t just one bad inning — it’s a warning. Their bullpen’s inconsistency could derail their championship hopes if not addressed immediately.
What’s Next: Game 2 Preview
Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at Rogers Centre. Los Angeles is expected to start Bobby Miller, while Toronto counters with veteran Chris Bassitt.
The Dodgers will look to even the series before it shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3.
