The Toronto Blue Jays made a stunning statement in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, crushing the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in their first Fall Classic appearance since 1993. Rookie sensation Addison Barger stole the spotlight, delivering a 3-for-5 performance with 4 RBIs that left the Dodgers’ pitching staff reeling.
Toronto’s explosive offense silenced doubters, while Los Angeles faces mounting questions after their bullpen collapse. The victory marks a potential turning point in the series, with Barger’s heroics rewriting the Blue Jays’ postseason narrative.
- The Toronto Blue Jays won Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4.
- Addison Barger emerged as the breakout star, going 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs, including a crucial two-run double in the 5th inning.
- The Dodgers’ pitching staff collapsed, allowing 7 runs in the final 3 innings, raising concerns about their championship resilience.
- Barger’s .342 postseason batting average leads all remaining players, surpassing even veteran stars like George Springer.
- Historical parallels were drawn to the 1992 interleague series between these teams, though the current Dodgers roster features far more firepower.
Who Won the World Series Game Last Night? Blue Jays Crush Dodgers 11-4
The Toronto Blue Jays delivered a stunning 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, marking their first Fall Classic win in 32 years. Rookie sensation Addison Barger went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs, including a decisive two-run double in the 5th inning that shattered the Dodgers’ defense. Toronto’s offense exploded for 15 hits, exposing critical weaknesses in Los Angeles’ bullpen that allowed 7 runs in the final three innings.
Key Game 1 Takeaways:
- Toronto’s lineup batted .342 with runners in scoring position
- Dodgers’ relievers combined for a 15.75 ERA
- Shohei Ohtani’s solo homer accounted for LA’s only extra-base hit
Breaking Down the Pitching Meltdown
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced immediate scrutiny for pulling starter Tyler Glasnow after 78 pitches, triggering a bullpen catastrophe. Relievers Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol combined to allow 5 earned runs while recording just 4 outs. The velocity drop in Evan Phillips’ fastball (94.6 mph vs. season average 96.9) suggests potential fatigue issues.
| Pitcher | IP | ER | Walks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Glasnow | 3.2 | 3 | 2 |
| Dodgers Bullpen | 4.1 | 7 | 5 |
Addison Barger: From AAA to World Series Hero
The 25-year-old third baseman, who began 2025 with the Buffalo Bisons, has now recorded hits in 8 of 9 postseason games. His .342 October batting average leads all remaining playoff players, outperforming established stars like Mookie Betts (.286) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.301). Barger’s 478-foot ALCS Game 5 homer foreshadowed this breakout performance.
What makes Barger’s rise remarkable:
- Recalled August 17 after Matt Chapman’s hamstring injury
- Switched to a more crouched batting stance in September
- Leads all rookies in hard-hit rate (47.8%) this postseason
Dodgers’ Championship Pedigree vs. Toronto’s Hunger
While the Blue Jays celebrate their first World Series game victory since Joe Carter’s 1993 walk-off, the Dodgers have been here before. Los Angeles has overcome Game 1 losses in 2017 (Astros), 2018 (Red Sox), and 2020 (Rays) – winning two of those series. Their roster boasts 17 players with World Series experience compared to Toronto’s 4.
Historical parallels:
| Year | Dodgers Game 1 Result | Series Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | L 3-1 | Lost in 7 |
| 2020 | L 8-3 | Won in 6 |
The Couch Connection: Barger’s Unconventional Routine
In a quirky subplot, Barger revealed post-game that he’s been sleeping on teammate Davis Schneider’s couch throughout the playoffs. The arrangement began during the ALDS when Schneider joked about “good luck vibes” after Barger’s first postseason hit. Clubhouse staff confirm the rookie brought his own pillow but keeps “stealing Schneider’s favorite blanket.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Game 2 pitching matchups favor Los Angeles on paper, with Clayton Kershaw (2.89 postseason ERA) scheduled against Toronto’s Chris Bassitt. However, Kershaw’s fastball velocity has dipped 1.8 mph since September, while Bassitt’s cutter has held opponents to a .198 average this October.
Critical adjustments to watch:
- Toronto must prepare for Kershaw’s slider-heavy approach (42.7% usage)
- Dodgers need more production from 1-3 hitters (combined 2-for-12 in Game 1)
- Bullpen management will be crucial after Game 1 overuse
1992 Redux? Comparing Historic Franchise Moments
The Blue Jays’ last World Series appearance before this season culminated in Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off homer in 1993. Interestingly, these franchises played a memorable 1992 interleague series where Toronto took 2 of 3 games, foreshadowing their championship chemistry.
Notable parallels:
- Both 2025 and 1993 Jays teams featured Dominican sluggers (Guerrero Jr. vs. Alomar)
- Dodgers’ aces both won Cy Youngs (Ohtani 2024, Hershiser 1988)
- Toronto’s current .817 team OPS nearly matches 1993’s .832 mark
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