World Series, Game 1: Addison Barger blasts Blue Jays past LA Dodgers in opener
Towering grand slam the highlight of nine-run inning that carries Canadian team to 11-4 triumph
Addison Barger blasted a towering grand slam as the Toronto Blue Jays thrashed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 to take a 1-0 lead in Major League Baseball’s World Series on Friday.
Barger’s 413ft blast to centre field at Toronto’s Rogers Centre was the highlight of a spectacular nine-run sixth inning by the Blue Jays, playing in their first World Series in 32 years.
The win gives Toronto a precious early lead in the best-of-seven series, and they will look to double their advantage with victory in game two in Toronto on Saturday.
The Dodgers, bidding to become the first team in a quarter of a century to win back-to-back World Series, had made a smooth start, with Enrique Hernandez and Will Smith driving in early runs off Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage to open up a 2-0 lead.
But the star-studded champions – the most expensively assembled team in baseball – were unable to build on their early lead despite getting the better of Yesavage.
Instead it was Toronto – who have now won 50 games this season after trailing – who wrestled their way back into contention with Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell unable to produce his most dominant form from the mound.