Blue Jays Strike Back: Toronto Evens the World Series After Game 4 Win Over the Dodgers



Toronto roared back into the 2025 World Series with a 6–2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4, leveling the series at two games apiece. After a grueling 18-inning battle in Game 3, fatigue was clearly a factor for Los Angeles, while the Blue Jays capitalized on home-field energy and sharper execution at the plate.

Shohei Ohtani took the mound for the Dodgers but struggled to find rhythm early. In the third inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched a two-run shot that ignited the crowd and shifted momentum squarely toward Toronto. From that point on, the Dodgers never fully recovered. Ohtani allowed several hard-hit balls before being pulled after four innings, clearly showing signs of wear from the long series.

Toronto’s lineup showed balance and patience. Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho each added RBI hits, while Justin Turner contributed a key double in the seventh that stretched the lead to 6–1. The Blue Jays’ bullpen was rock-solid, with Shane Bieber delivering a composed six-inning start, striking out seven and allowing just two runs. Manager John Schneider’s decision to rest key relievers in Game 3 paid off, as Toronto’s arms looked fresh and precise throughout the night.

For Los Angeles, the story was all about missed opportunities. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman both came to bat multiple times with runners in scoring position but couldn’t deliver. The Dodgers left nine men on base, a telling statistic that highlighted their offensive frustration. Their bullpen, overused in the marathon Game 3, lacked its usual sharpness. Tyler Glasnow, who had pitched extensively the night before, wasn’t available, forcing manager Dave Roberts to stretch his middle relievers beyond comfort.

Defensively, Toronto was nearly flawless. Kevin Kiermaier made a crucial diving catch in center field to end the fifth inning and preserve a two-run lead. That play deflated the Dodgers’ dugout and energized Toronto, who kept attacking with disciplined at-bats. The Blue Jays also executed small-ball tactics effectively, stealing bases and putting pressure on the Dodgers’ defense at every turn.

The victory means the World Series is now tied 2–2, resetting the balance heading into Game 5. The Dodgers entered Game 4 with momentum and confidence, but Toronto’s home crowd and aggressive approach flipped the narrative. The next matchup will be pivotal, as both teams aim to seize control before the series shifts back to Los Angeles.

Fans are buzzing with questions about Game 4 and what it means for the rest of the series:

**Why was Game 4 so important?**
Because the Dodgers could have taken a commanding 3–1 lead, but the Blue Jays’ win ensured the series remains wide open. A 2–2 tie gives both sides equal footing, turning the final three games into a best-of-three showdown for the championship.

**What went wrong for Shohei Ohtani?**
Ohtani wasn’t his usual dominant self. He struggled with command and allowed several early hits. After throwing a high pitch count in previous outings and participating in extra-inning action as a designated hitter, fatigue was evident. Toronto’s lineup was aggressive early, forcing him into uncomfortable counts.

**Who were the standout players?**
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the clear offensive catalyst with his third-inning homer. Shane Bieber’s composed pitching anchored the Blue Jays’ defense, while Bo Bichette contributed two hits and a run. On the Dodgers’ side, Will Smith was one of the few bright spots with a solo home run in the sixth.

**How did the bullpen performances differ?**
Toronto’s bullpen was well-rested and consistent. Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano combined for three scoreless innings to close the game. Los Angeles, on the other hand, looked drained. Their relievers gave up four runs in the final innings, unable to contain Toronto’s late-game surge.

**What does this mean for the rest of the series?**
Momentum has shifted. The Blue Jays now believe they can outlast the Dodgers in both endurance and depth. For Los Angeles, Game 5 becomes a must-win to regain psychological advantage before heading home. The Dodgers still possess elite talent, but Toronto’s confidence is soaring, and the pressure is mounting on the National League champions.

**Was the crowd a factor?**
Absolutely. Rogers Centre was electric from the first pitch. After the heartbreaking loss in Game 3, Toronto fans turned up with intensity. Every big hit fed that energy, creating an atmosphere that clearly rattled the Dodgers.

**Key takeaway from Game 4:**
The World Series has been reset. Toronto’s ability to recover from a draining defeat and dominate the following night says a lot about their resilience. Los Angeles remains dangerous, but Toronto’s Game 4 win reminded everyone that championships are often decided not by talent alone, but by grit, depth, and timely execution under pressure.