Introduction to the Game
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodger Stadium was still shaking with joy when Monday turned to Tuesday as the Toronto Blue Jays trudged into their clubhouse. Their 18-inning loss in Game 3 felt like a monumental setback that might have already decided the World Series.
Turning Point
That’s when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped up and told his team exactly what it needed to hear. For all its drama, Game 3 was no more important than Game 4. “I was the last one to go in,” Guerrero said. “I saw everybody with his head down. I said, ‘Come on, bro. Head up. It’s not over yet. It’s not over yet. They gotta win four. Four games. You have to win four games to win the World Series. It’s not over.’”
The Game-Changing Homer
The Jays’ leader then backed up his message by crushing another timely homer Tuesday night, this one off Shohei Ohtani. And after nine superb innings played in less than three tidy hours, these profoundly resilient Blue Jays have evened the World Series again. Guerrero hit a two-run homer off Ohtani in the third inning, Shane Bieber pitched four-hit ball into the sixth, and Toronto got back on track with a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Team Performance
Addison Barger had two hits and an RBI for the AL champion Blue Jays, who coolly rebounded from their heartbreaking, late-night defeat with stellar work at the plate and on the mound. “Coming off what could be a back-breaking loss last night, it was an absolute pleasure to show up today and see nobody changes,” Bieber said. “Nobody ever wavers. Nobody ever hesitates. It’s the same group of guys each and every day.”
Reclaiming Homefield Advantage
By sending the defending champion Dodgers to just their third loss in 14 games this postseason, the Blue Jays reclaimed homefield advantage and guaranteed the World Series trophy will be won at Rogers Centre. “I believe in this team, man,” said Guerrero, who spurred the Jays with his seventh homer of the postseason. “This team is something special.” Game 5 is Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, with Game 6 in Toronto on Friday.
Ohtani’s Performance
Ohtani redefined the concept of short rest by taking the World Series mound just over 17 hours after he reached base nine times and smashed four extra-base hits in the Dodgers’ stirring victory. He yielded four runs on six hits while pitching six-plus innings with six strikeouts in Game 4. And after Guerrero hit his majestic homer, the Blue Jays tagged Ohtani for two more while chasing him during their four-run seventh.
Comparison of Pitching
Ohtani couldn’t make up for it at the plate, going 0 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts. He was on deck when the game ended. He didn’t have the only poor performance at bat for the powerhouse Dodgers, who mustered just six hits — only one for extra bases. The Dodgers’ two-way superstar was outpitched by Bieber, the Blue Jays newcomer who returned from Tommy John surgery in late August. The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner gave up just one run over 5 1/3 innings in a resilient World Series debut.
Upcoming Games
Next Matchup
Up next
Dodgers lefty Blake Snell (3-1, 2.42 ERA) faces Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage (2-1, 4.26) in the pivotal Game 5. It’s a pitching rematch of the Series opener, when Toronto handed Snell his only loss of a previously dominant postseason by chasing him at the start of a nine-run sixth inning in an 11-4 win. Yesavage pitched four innings of two-run ball.
Conclusion
The Blue Jays’ victory in Game 4 has set the stage for an exciting remainder of the series. With the series now tied, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand in the upcoming games. The Blue Jays’ ability to bounce back from a tough loss and their strong team performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
FAQs
- Q: Who hit a two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning?
A: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - Q: What is the current state of the World Series?
A: The series is tied after the Blue Jays’ 6-2 win in Game 4. - Q: Who will be pitching in Game 5?
A: Dodgers lefty Blake Snell and Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage. - Q: What is the significance of the Blue Jays’ win in Game 4?
A: The win allows the Blue Jays to reclaim homefield advantage and guarantees that the World Series trophy will be won at Rogers Centre.
