Blue Jays Stun Dodgers 10-3 in Game 1 of 2025 World Series
When Trey Yesavage, the 22‑year‑old right‑hander for the Toronto Blue Jays, took the mound at Rogers Centre on Friday, October 24, 2025, he helped his club post a 10‑3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series Game 1Rogers Centre, Toronto.
The 8:00 p.m. ET start featured a generational clash: Yesavage vs. three‑time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Both pitchers carried hefty expectations—Yesavage as the second‑youngest ever to start a World Series Game 1, Snell as the veteran hoping to lead a repeat champion squad.
How the Teams Got Here
Toronto entered the Fall Classic as the American League champion for the first time since 2022. After a dramatic ALCS win over the Houston Astros, the Blue Jays leaned on a potent mix of power and speed. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ripped 42 home runs during the regular season, while Bo Bichette contributed a league‑leading .340 batting average.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, made a historic start to the 2025 season with a three‑game series in Tokyo on March 18. The Dodgers logged a grueling 220‑day road march, winning the NL West by a comfortable five‑game margin. Their core—Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman—hit a combined 220 home runs, a figure that still tops the league.
Both managers, John Schneider for Toronto and Dave Roberts for Los Angeles, promised aggressive lineups and early‑innings fireworks.
Game 1: Key Moments and Turning Points
The first inning saw the Blue Jays load the bases twice but come away empty, an early sign that the Dodgers’ bullpen might be in for a long night. In the bottom of the second, Dodgers starter Snell finally yielded a run after Yesavage scattered a solo shot to center.
But the real drama unfolded in the sixth. With the bases loaded and no outs, the Blue Jays struck a three‑run double that forced Snell to the sidelines. Reliever Will Klein entered the game, but Toronto’s barrage continued—four more runs crossed the plate before the inning ended, cementing a nine‑run surge that proved decisive.
Los Angeles tried to claw back in the seventh, loading the bases again, yet a timely strikeout by rookie reliever Emmet Sheehan quashed any momentum.
Statistical Snapshot
- Final Score: Blue Jays 10, Dodgers 3
- Yesavage: 6 IP, 3 R, 5 K, 1.50 ERA
- Snell (starter): 4 IP, 4 R, 2 K
- Team OPS: TOR .892 vs. LAD .745
- Sixth‑inning runs: Toronto 9, Los Angeles 0
The Blue Jays’ slugging percentage surged to .620 in the first three innings, driven by a two‑run double from George Springer and a solo homer by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Denver’s defense committed two errors, each leading to an unearned run.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
“I told the kids to stay loose and trust the process,” John Schneider said in the post‑game interview. “Trey just dug in, delivered his pitches, and the guys behind him backed him up.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was more circumspect: “We missed a few easy opportunities early, and the bullpen got shuffled faster than I’d like. We’ll adjust, but credit to Toronto—they played a smart, aggressive game.”
Snell, nursing a sore elbow, admitted, “I wasn’t sharp on my secondary pitches. The guys read me well, and once they got a rhythm, it’s hard to stop them.”
What This Means for the Series
Beyond the scoreboard, the win flips the psychological balance. The Dodgers entered as heavy favorites, aiming to become the first team since the 1998‑2000 Yankees to repeat. Now they must chase a 1‑0 deficit in a best‑of‑seven format that heavily rewards early momentum.
Toronto, meanwhile, has revived memories of the 1992‑93 back‑to‑back champs. The front office’s decision to entrust a 22‑year‑old with a Game 1 start signaled confidence, and the payoff was immediate. If the bullpen can hold up, the Blue Jays could force the series back to Canada for Games 3‑5.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 and Beyond
Game 2 is slated for Saturday, October 25, at the same 8:00 p.m. ET tip‑off. The Dodgers will likely counter‑punch with right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while Toronto may stick with Yesavage again if he’s rested. The next two games shift to Los Angeles, setting up a potential swing‑by‑swing that could decide the championship before the series even reaches Game 4.
Analysts are already debating bullpen usage, the impact of Toronto’s left‑handed heavy lineup, and whether Ohtani’s two‑way magic can tilt the pendulum. One thing’s clear: the 2025 World Series has kicked off with a bang, and fans on both sides will be glued to their screens when the next chapter unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Blue Jays' win affect their chances of winning the series?
Taking a 1‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven format gives Toronto a statistical edge; historically, teams that win Game 1 win the series about 55% of the time. The early bullpen advantage also forces the Dodgers to rely sooner on relievers who were not part of their regular rotation.
What are the Dodgers' biggest challenges after Game 1?
Los Angeles must tighten up its defense—two errors in the first three innings cost them runs. They also need to manage Snell’s workload and find a reliable middle‑relief arm to stop Toronto’s high‑powered lineup from extending big innings.
Will Trey Yesavage start Game 2?
If Toronto’s rotation holds and Yesavage’s arm feels good after six innings, manager John Schneider is expected to give him the ball again. The Jays’ bullpen did enough to preserve a lead, so a back‑to‑back start is a realistic possibility.
How significant is the Dodgers' Tokyo season opener?
Opening the season abroad added travel fatigue that may have lingered into the postseason. The 220‑day schedule forced the pitching staff into extra rest days, potentially contributing to Snell’s early struggles.
What does a nine‑run sixth inning mean for future games?
A nine‑run burst usually signals that a team’s offense has found its timing. Expect the Blue Jays to stay aggressive, while the Dodgers will likely tighten their pitching approach, possibly bringing in a long‑relief specialist earlier than planned.
