Blue Jays' Historic Sixth Inning Propels Them to Game 1 Victory Over Dodgers

The Toronto Blue Jays opened the World Series with an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night at Rogers Centre. The game was marked by a historic sixth inning, during which the Blue Jays scored nine runs, including the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history by Addison Barger.

Barger, pinch-hitting for Davis Schneider, faced left-hander Anthony Banda and connected on a 2-1 slider, sending the ball 413 feet to center field. This grand slam was Barger's third home run of the postseason. Reflecting on the moment, Barger said, "I couldn't even feel my legs. I just kind of blacked out."

The explosive inning also featured a two-run homer by Alejandro Kirk, who finished the game 3-for-3 with a walk. Daulton Varsho contributed earlier with a two-run home run in the fourth inning, tying the game at that point. The Dodgers had initially taken a 2-0 lead, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a two-run homer in the third inning.

Dodgers' starting pitcher Blake Snell struggled, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks over five-plus innings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented, "I just thought tonight Blake just didn't have fastball command."

The Blue Jays' bullpen held the lead, with reliever Seranthony Dominguez earning the win after pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Saturday in Toronto.