Expectations were high for the Los Angeles Dodgers entering Game 1 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The reigning champs had won five straight games, including a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS. The Dodgers’ pitching staff had held opponents to five total runs over the last five contests, and Shohei Ohtani had just played one of the greatest games of all time. Los Angeles was favored to win Game 1 of the World Series despite playing on the road.
But Toronto didn’t get the memo. The Dodgers couldn’t overcome the Blue Jays’ historic offensive outburst in the sixth inning as Toronto came away with an emphatic 11-4 win.
Although the Blue Jays’ bats stole the spotlight in Game 1, Ohtani provided Dodgers fans a bright spot. The three-time MVP belted a two-run bomb in the seventh inning. It was his sixth homer of the postseason and the first World Series home run of his career.
### Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason Power Surge Continues in Game 1 Loss
Down nine runs in the top of the seventh and facing rookie reliever Braydon Fisher, Ohtani crushed an 85 mph curveball 357 feet to right field. The two-run shot didn’t impact the outcome as Toronto still held a commanding lead, but it was an important career milestone for the two-way superstar.
Ohtani spent the first six years of his career with the Los Angeles Angels and didn’t make his playoff debut until joining the Dodgers last season. He reached the World Series in his first-ever postseason. However, he didn’t homer or drive in a run in LA’s 4-1 series victory over the New York Yankees. Now he’s done both in a World Series game.
Ohtani has four home runs and five RBIs in his last two games. He helped the Dodgers clinch the NLCS against the Brewers with a heroic effort in Game 4. The five-time All-Star’s singular skill set was on full display against Milwaukee.
Ohtani started that game, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out 10 batters in six scoreless innings. He also helped his own cause by going 3-for-3 at the plate with three home runs. This historic performance earned Ohtani NLCS MVP honors.
### Dodgers Hit a Speed Bump in Game 1
Unfortunately, the Dodgers hit a speed bump in Game 1 of the World Series. Los Angeles gave up 11 runs for the first time since July 4. The confident crowd in Toronto even serenaded Ohtani with a “we don’t need you” chant. Blue Jays fans are apparently still bitter over Ohtani spurning the franchise in favor of Los Angeles.
It will be interesting to see how the reigning MVP responds in Game 2 on Saturday.
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