The Toronto Blue Jays faced a daunting task in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers’ ace, Blake Snell, had been sensational in three playoff starts, leading a historically dominant rotation. Additionally, the Dodgers’ bullpen excelled throughout the playoffs, holding opponents to just one run in five straight games.
However, the Blue Jays bucked the trend in Game 1. Toronto got to Snell early and ultimately chased the two-time Cy Young winner from the game in the sixth inning. Emmet Sheehan took over for Snell with the bases loaded, and the Blue Jays pushed three runs across the plate.
When Anthony Banda relieved Sheehan, the bases were still full. Addison Barger stepped in to hit for Davis Schneider and broke the game wide open, blasting an 84 mph slider 413 feet to center field for the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
### Addison Barger Powers Blue Jays to Game 1 Win
The Blue Jays weren’t done with Banda after Barger’s monumental homer. Alejandro Kirk followed with a two-run shot off the veteran lefty, giving Toronto an commanding 11-2 lead through six innings.
Barger has shown his power potential in 2025, his first full Major League season. The 25-year-old right fielder and third baseman hit 21 home runs and 32 doubles with 74 RBIs in 135 games for the Blue Jays. His historic pinch-hit grand slam marked his third home run of the playoffs, and he’s now up to eight RBIs in 11 postseason games.
### Snell’s Struggles in Game 1
Before Game 1 of the World Series, Snell had allowed just two runs on six hits across 21 postseason innings, carrying a stellar 0.86 ERA. He even became the first pitcher since 1956 to face the minimum through eight innings in a postseason game.
However, the Blue Jays managed to get to the 10th-year veteran this time. Snell allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. He picked up his first loss of the 2025 postseason as Toronto secured an 11-4 victory in Game 1 of the World Series.
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