Post by : Maya Rahman

Shohei Ohtani delivered a powerful two-run homer, but his efforts were overshadowed by the Los Angeles Dodgers' 11–4 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays in the opening game of the World Series. This pivotal match unfolded on Friday night at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, marking the Blue Jays' return to the World Series after a 32-year hiatus.

The Dodgers started strong, gaining a 1–0 advantage in the second inning. Ohtani stepped up with the bases loaded but couldn't convert, grounding out and ending the inning. This missed opportunity proved costly as the Blue Jays began to take control. Ohtani ended his night with one hit in four plate appearances, featuring a two-run homer in the seventh.

A game-changing sixth inning saw the Blue Jays score nine runs in a stunning turnaround. Dodgers’ pitcher Blake Snell struggled, failing to record an out before being replaced. A pinch-hit grand slam by Toronto’s Addison Barger and a two-run homer from Alejandro Kirk sent the crowd into a frenzy, transforming a 2–0 deficit into a commanding lead.

Toronto’s fans expressed their disdain for Ohtani, who faced a chorus of boos throughout the game due to his previous negotiations with the Blue Jays before signing a historic $700 million contract with the Dodgers. The jeers reached a peak in the ninth inning when they chanted, “We don’t need you!” Ohtani kept his cool, securing a walk in that at-bat, just managing to stay safe at first base after a close call.

Post-game, Dodgers’ pitcher Chris Bassitt remarked, “Don’t poke the bear,” indicating Ohtani might channel the crowd's negativity as motivation. Blue Jays’ player Ernie Clement noted the competitive spirit as just part of the fun, adding, “We’re happy with the players we have.”

This season, after recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani has shown his dual-threat capability as both hitter and occasional pitcher, boasting a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. As a pitcher, he holds a record of 1–1 with a 2.87 ERA. The Dodgers anticipate he will pitch again in Game 3 or 4 of the series.

Currently, the Blue Jays lead the best-of-seven series 1–0. The Dodgers are eager to bounce back in Game 2 on Saturday, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the mound for Los Angeles and Kevin Gausman set to pitch for Toronto. The Dodgers aim to even the series before heading home.

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