DODGERS’ Shohei Ohtani (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

By Pete Zarustica
Orange County Tribune

Anyone who thought the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays out of the 2025 World Series, to beat them like a bass drum, had better … call their bookie.

In Game One on Friday at Rogers Centre in Canada’s biggest city, it was the home team that did the punishing, breaking open a 2-2 tie and going on to win 11-4 and take a 1 -0 lead into Saturday’s Game 2.

The crushing blow that put this one out of reach was an historic grand slam home run by Addison Barger in the sixth inning. It was the first ever pinch slam home run in World Series history.

The Blue Jays not only out-hit the powerful Blue Crew by 14-6, they buzzed through five of their pitchers.

About the only player not to disappoint was – no surprise – Shohei Ohtani, who hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and drew a walk in the ninth.

No Dodger got two hits; the Blue Jays had five who did.

After Saturday’s game, the Series will head back to Los Angeles for three games (Monday through Wednesday).