World Series Game One: Maple Leaf Muscle
The Toronto Blue Jays needed just one inning to dismantle the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game One
I always love how each network that airs the championship round handles their coverage. In the case of the World Series, it's been a Fox staple for 26 straight seasons now, and the pregame often takes place live at the two destinations. In this case, the crew at Fox was in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for Game One, and it was amazing seeing the players make their entrance. Game One of a championship series, whether it's the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Final, or the World Series, is always special.
For Toronto, it marked just a day over 32 years since they last hosted a World Series game. We all know what happened on that night. October 23, 1993. Game Six. Joe Carter. Ontarians know what I'm talking about. On this evening, October 24, 2025, Cito Gaston, who managed the Jays to those back-to-back championships--and was also the first Black manager to win a World Series--threw the ceremonial first pitch.
The pitching matchup saw Trey Yesavage for the Blue Jays against Blake Snell for the Dodgers. The first inning was quiet, but the second saw the Dodgers strike first. Enrique Hernandez drove in Teoscar Hernandez (the latter being a former Blue Jay), and the Dodgers went up 1-0. It became 2-0 in the third when Will Smith drove in Mookie Betts, but that's where the good news for the Dodgers ended. In the fourth, Daulton Varsho tied it up with a two run shot--the Jays' first World Series homer since Joe Carter's walk-off in 1993. Even so, it was 2-2. Certainly, a catastrophe wouldn't follow.
Right?
The bottom of the sixth inning saw the bases full of Jays with no outs. After that: single, walk, single. 5-2 Jays. Then Addison Barger comes up. Pinch-hit situation. Pinch-hit grand slam! First one in World Series history. 9-2 Jays. After that, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. gets on, and Alejandro Kirk homers. 11-2 Jays. A nine-run sixth inning! It was a game. Now, it was a slaughter. But that didn't stop Shohei Ohtani from making his mark. A two-run shot that may have been meaningless, but put him in the history books: the second Japanese-born player to homer in the World Series, joining 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui on that short list.
The Toronto Blue Jays won Game One of the World Series, 11-4, striking first in this year's Fall Classic. The nine runs in the sixth inning are the second-most scored an inning in World Series history. The most is 10, which was done twice. Jays homered three times in this game, capped off by Barger's pinch-hit grand slam in the sixth inning. The beleaguered Dodgers bullpen got flattened once again, resulting in the team's second loss in this year's postseason. Overall, this loss drops the Dodgers to 1-12 all time on the road in Game One of the World Series, with the franchise lone win coming in 1963 against the Yankees.
The Jays are in a very good position. Out of the previous 116 best-of seven World Series (1903, 1919, 1920, and 1921 were played under a best-of-nine format) played, 75 of the Game One winners went on to win the whole thing. That's 64.66% of the teams. The 2022 Philadelphia Phillies stand as the most recent team to win Game One, but lose the Series. The Jays now stand three wins away from their third championship in franchise history.
Game Two is Saturday in Toronto.
* * *
If you like this story, click the heart and the subscribe button, and feel free to comment below! Tips and pledges would be greatly appreciated, but only if you want to do so!
About the Creator
Clyde E. Dawkins
I'm a big sports fan, especially hockey, and I've been a fan of villainesses since I was eight! My favorite shows are The Simpsons and Family Guy, etc.
Keep reading
More stories from Clyde E. Dawkins and writers in Unbalanced and other communities.
Adams Division Values
Your eyes are not deceiving you, those jerseys are legit. It was announced prior to the start of the season that the Colorado Avalanche would don the throwback Quebec Nordiques jerseys during a number of select games, and this game was the first of the seven that would see these jerseys return. Even better, the Avs were at home facing the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Canes decided to don the old Hartford Whalers jerseys.
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 months ago in Unbalanced
Vikings slide past Hayes
In a period of seven days, Northland (7-4) has had two games that have been decided by a two-point margin. The Vikings are 2-0 in those contests as seniors Diante James and Daneal Krylov have made big shots that won both games respectively. On Jan. 3, at Columbus Academy, James knocked down a shot with less than two seconds remaining to deliver Northland to its biggest win so far this season. On his way to 19 points, James has proven to be one of the most confident shot makers in central Ohio. His big time basket led Northland to a 58-56 win over Westland which is currently 7-2.
By Winners Onlyabout 20 hours ago in Unbalanced
Alex Eala
Tennis has always been a sport where stories of discipline, sacrifice, and quiet resilience shape champions long before trophies do. In recent years, one name has steadily gained international attention for embodying those qualities with grace and ambition: Alex Eala. Still early in her professional journey, Eala represents more than individual success. She symbolizes a shift in global tennis, where talent now rises from regions once considered outside the sport’s traditional power centers. From junior Grand Slam glory to appearances on the professional tour, Eala’s path reflects patience, planning, and belief. Her performances, including moments connected to tournaments like the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic, show a player learning to translate promise into lasting impact. Early Foundations of a Rising Star Alex Eala’s story begins with a strong foundation built on family support and access to elite training. Unlike many players who rise through local circuits alone, Eala’s development was guided by a long-term vision. That vision led her to the Rafa Nadal Academy, an environment known for shaping technically sound and mentally strong athletes. At the academy, Eala refined her baseline game, improved her court movement, and learned how to compete with intention rather than emotion. These lessons were evident in her junior career, where she achieved milestones that placed her among the most promising young players of her generation. What stood out was not only her results but her composure. Eala played with a maturity that suggested she understood tennis as a marathon, not a sprint. Junior Success and Global Recognition Eala’s junior achievements opened doors to the international tennis spotlight. Winning major junior titles placed her name alongside players who would later become tour regulars. For many fans, this was the first time they encountered Alex Eala, and it quickly became clear she was not just another short-term prospect. Her left-handed style added variety to her game, creating angles that disrupted opponents. Combined with strong court awareness, this made her matches engaging to watch and difficult to predict. Junior success, however, is only a stepping stone, and Eala approached the professional transition with measured expectations. Rather than rushing into high-pressure events, she balanced growth with experience, a strategy that often separates sustainable careers from fleeting hype. Stepping Into the Professional Arena The move from juniors to the professional circuit can be unforgiving. Higher intensity, physical demands, and mental pressure test even the most gifted athletes. For Alex Eala, this transition has been deliberate rather than dramatic. She has taken part in ITF and WTA-level events, gaining experience against seasoned players. Each match has contributed to her understanding of pace, consistency, and endurance at the professional level. Losses have been treated as lessons, and victories as confirmation of progress. Events connected to the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic are particularly meaningful in this phase. These tournaments attract a competitive field while still offering young players exposure to high-quality opposition. For Eala, participation in such events represents an opportunity to measure herself against established professionals. Auckland Open and ASB Classic: Learning on a Bigger Stage The ASB Classic, held in Auckland, is more than just a warm-up event for the tennis season. It has a reputation for blending experienced tour players with emerging talent. Competing in or around the Auckland Open environment allows players like Eala to experience elite tournament structures, media attention, and crowd energy. For a young athlete, these elements matter. They teach how to manage nerves, expectations, and recovery over consecutive matches. Even brief appearances in such tournaments contribute significantly to development. Alex Eala’s connection with events like the ASB Classic highlights her gradual integration into the professional ecosystem. Each appearance adds confidence and clarity about what needs improvement, whether it is serve consistency, shot selection, or physical conditioning. Style of Play and Competitive Identity Eala’s game is built around controlled aggression. She prefers constructing points rather than rushing winners, relying on precision and movement. Her left-handed forehand remains one of her most effective weapons, creating angles that pull opponents off the court. Equally important is her defensive awareness. Eala often turns defense into offense, a trait that reflects her disciplined training background. While power tennis dominates many modern matches, her style emphasizes balance and adaptability. As she continues to evolve, adding strength and depth to her serve and net play will likely be key areas of focus. These improvements often come with time, experience, and physical maturity. Representation and Inspiration Beyond the Court Alex Eala’s rise carries significance beyond rankings and results. She represents hope for aspiring players from underrepresented regions, proving that access to global stages is possible with commitment and support. Her journey inspires younger athletes to believe that tennis is not limited by geography. Every appearance she makes, whether in major tournaments or developmental events, reinforces the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere. This broader impact gives Eala a unique position in the sport. She is not only building her own career but also helping expand tennis’s global narrative. The Road Ahead The future for Alex Eala remains open and full of possibility. Tennis careers are shaped over years, not seasons, and her measured approach suggests a focus on longevity rather than quick success. Continued participation in international tournaments, including those linked to the Auckland Open and ASB Classic, will provide valuable benchmarks for growth. As rankings fluctuate and competition intensifies, the true test will be consistency and resilience. Based on her journey so far, Eala appears well-equipped for both. Final Thoughts Alex Eala’s story is still being written, but its early chapters reveal a player grounded in discipline, learning, and quiet confidence. From junior triumphs to professional challenges, she has approached each step with intention. In a sport where pressure can derail even the brightest prospects, Eala’s calm progression stands out. Whether competing in global events like the ASB Classic or continuing her steady rise through the tour, Alex Eala represents a future built on patience, skill, and belief. For tennis fans watching the next generation take shape, her journey is one worth following closely.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in Unbalanced
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.