Sat Oct 25 • Rogers Centre
Game 2 • Series tied 1-1
0 - 0
10/25/25 23:36
Opinion: The Blue Jays can’t just think the Dodgers into submission, they have to play the game
The Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks on as Dodgers catcher Will Smith rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
“It was kind of a classic pitchers’ duel and they made a couple more swings,” Jays manager John Schneider said after tonight’s loss.
I guess that’s one way to describe a game that you had both hands around and dropped. It’s a measure of how great the Jays have been in these playoffs that they’ve had very few of these sorts of dissembling post-game press conferences.
But the Dodgers also aren’t as vulnerable as Game 1 suggested. The Jays wouldn’t be human if their heads hadn’t been turned a little by all the international back-slapping they got after that demolition job.
The Jays have played their game once, then tried it the Dodgers way, and have now defined the contours of this World Series. Toronto is the irresistible force. L.A. is the immovable object. Whoever gives the most inches will lose.
On Saturday, the Jays drifted away from their core mission. They were on course early - first and third with nobody out in the opening inning. But Toronto could not score from that position, and a considerable head of steam burned off in that moment.
The Dodgers aren’t Seattle, or even New York. They’re not going to let you try and try and try again until you get it right. You have to take your chances.
10/25/25 23:01
Dodgers’ Yamamoto pitches first complete World Series game since 2015
- Rachel Brady and Jamie Ross
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches against the Blue Jays in the ninth inning.John E. Sokolowski/Reuters
An elite start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and a pair of seventh-inning homers helped the Los Angeles Dodgers strike back to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 in Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, knotting up the World Series 1-1.
Dodgers starter Yamamoto had a phenomenal playoff performance, sitting down 20 Blue Jays in a row. The Japanese pitcher allowed four hits and one run, while punching out eight while pitching all nine innings.
It was the first complete World Series game since 2015, and the pitcher’s second in a row after going the distance in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Brewers.
10/25/25 22:48
Dodgers beat Blue Jays 5-1 to even World Series 1-1
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto celebrates victory with Will Smith.Patrick Smith/Getty Images
That’s all for the Blue Jays in Game 2, losing 5-1 to the Dodgers.
Toronto couldn’t summon the same offensive magic that generated 11 runs in its Game 1 win, and the series is tied 1-1 heading to L.A., with Game 3 set for Monday.
10/25/25 22:35
What’s with Colonel Sanders sitting behind home plate?
– Globe staff
One of the audience members behind home plate piqued interest for fans watching at home. But the Colonel, far left, turned out to be a marketing tactic.Cole Burston/Getty Images
Inquiring minds online couldn’t help but wonder at the appearance of a man dressed in a costume remarkably similar to Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame sitting behind home plate at Game 2 of the World Series (and in front of Canadian fighter Georges St-Pierre).
The answer seems to be (disappointingly for many) that it is a marketing play by the food chain, thanks to some promotion they’re doing with the Jays (and as evidenced by their Instagram stories).
Other more entertaining theories on Reddit and X pointed to the “Curse of the Colonel,” an urban legend surrounding Japanese baseball team the Hanshin Tigers, a statue of Colonel Sanders and the multi-decade drought that befell the team after said statue was pushed into the river. You can read more about it here.
10/25/25 22:26
Dodgers score two more runs in eighth to extend lead
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) misses the catch as the pitch flies past Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) during eighth inning Game 2 World Series playoff MLB baseball action in Toronto, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan DenetteNathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Jeff Hoffman’s first pitch of the night was a wild one, and it cost the Blue Jays a run.
Coming on in relief of Varland, with the bases loaded, Hoffman threw one in the dirt that snuck by catcher Alejandro Kirk, allowing Andy Page to score from third base, making it 4-1.
The Dodgers scored one more when Will Smith grounded into a force out, to make it 5-1 after the top of the eighth.
10/25/25 22:02
The Muncy vs. Gausman standoff gives Dodgers a 3-1 lead
Dodgers' Max Muncy celebrates his solo home run against the Blue Jays during the seventh inning.David J. Phillip/The Associated Press
Max Muncy hits Gausman better than anyone in the Dodgers’ lineup, and he just drove him out of the game.
Muncy, who entering the game had three career home runs against Gausman in 18 at-bats, hit a solo home run to left field to make it 3-1 Dodgers.
Earlier in the top of the seventh, Will Smith broke a 1-1 tie with a solo home run to give the Dodgers the lead. He took a full-count, 94 mile-per-hour fastball from Kevin Gausman and drove it over the left field wall.
The Blue Jays replaced the starter with right-handed reliever Louis Varland.
10/25/25 21:45
Jonas Brothers perform cancer tribute after fifth inning
– Globe staff
The Jonas Brother perform following the fifth inning at Rogers Centre.Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
The Jonas Brothers performed their song “I Can’t Lose,” an anthem for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign that is run by MLB and Mastercard, after the fifth inning.
After a touching announcement to the crowd wherein people held up signs with names of those they love affected by cancer, the camera cut to the trio, who sang their song with enthusiasm. They appeared to be in a lounge inside Rogers Centre in front of a relatively small crowd.
Blue Jays and fans stand during moment of silence for Stand Up to Cancer following the fifth inning.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
The brothers, who have spent a fair amount of time in Toronto, are lifelong Yankees fans, but there’s no word on whether the New Jersey-bon trio is cheering for the Jays or the Dodgers.
10/25/25 21:32
Leafs rallied their own spirits with Jays’ Game 1 victory
– The Canadian Press
Maple Leafs centre John Tavares celebrates his overtime game-winning goal against the Buffalo Sabres in Toronto tonight.Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press
John Tavares said the Maple Leafs were glued to their screens on Friday’s bus ride back from Buffalo after their 5-3 against the Sabres, watching the Toronto Blue Jays’ emphatic 11-4 victory in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“After a loss, it’s always pretty quiet,” he said. “But I’m not gonna lie, when (Addison) Barger hit that grand slam, there was some good banter going on … guys are pretty excited.”
10/25/25 21:08
Jays tie it 1-1 after Springer scare
Blue Jays' George Springer scores on a sacrifice fly from Alejandro Kirk.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
George Springer scored on a sac fly from Alejandro Kirk in the bottom of the third to tie the game at 1-1. Springer reached base after Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto hit him in the hands with a 96 miles-per-hour fastball . The pitch was up and in and it caused a scare as it looked like it might’ve caught him in the head. He took first base and remained in the game.
He then advanced to third on a long single to the left-field wall by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before scoring on the Kirk sac fly.
10/25/25 20:35
Springer in good form as Jays leave two on base in first
The Jays' Springer dives in for a double against the Dodgers during the first inning.David J. Phillip/The Associated Press
George Springer’s knee seems to be holding up fine. Springer was forced from Game 5 of the ALCS vs. the Mariners after taking a pitch to the right knee, but he showed no lingering issues in the first inning as he motored around the bases after cracking a double to the left field wall.
Springer advanced to third on a single by Nathan Lukes but was stranded as the next three Jays hitters went down in order.
10/25/25 20:26
Joe Carter wears Jays home run jacket after first pitch
– Globe staff
After throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, veteran Blue Jay Joe Carter left the field and went right into the open arms of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who put the bedazzled World Series home run jacket on his shoulders. Carter ran into the bullpen and high-fived and waiting players.
10/25/25 20:20
Dodgers up 1-0 midway through first inning
The Dodgers drew first blood in the top of the first inning. After Freddie Freeman doubled to the right-field wall, cleanup hitter Will Smith singled to center field to give the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead.
10/25/25 20:15
Ohtani out as Gausman makes World Series debut
Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman against the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by Superstar Shohei Ohtani during the first inning in Game 2.Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Shohei Ohtani led off the top of the first inning to more chants of “We don’t need you” from Toronto fans as Kevin Gausman threw the first pitch of Game 2.
Jays fans gave him the same treatment in the ninth inning of Game 1.
Ohtani flew out to left field.
10/25/25 19:53
How Gausman matches up against the Dodgers
Kevin Gausman will pitch in the World Series for the first time when he starts Game 2 on Saturday.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman hasn’t faced Dodgers’ hitters many times over his career, save for Mookie Betts.
Betts, the Dodgers’ shortstop and No. 2 batter, has a .314 average with three homers in 51 at-bats against Gausman. Max Muncy, hitting sixth for L.A., has the best numbers of any Dodger against Toronto’s right-hander: three home runs and six walks in 18 at-bats.
For his career, he’s 2-4 with a 4.05 ERA in 12 starts against the Dodgers. Gausman is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA overall so far in the postseason.
10/25/25 19:17
Jays celebrations make their way to the U.K.
– The Canadian Press
Blue Jays fans in London, England gather for a late night watch party for Game 1 of the World Series, in a still image made from handout video footage.Steve Hunter/The Canadian Press
In London, during Game 1, members of a group called Blue Jays Fans UK got together for a late-night watch party, cheering the team deep into the early hours.
“We had an absolute blast,” said Steve Hunter, a Bournemouth resident who started the fan group more than 20 years ago. “You’re never quite sure who’s going to show up at that hour, but everyone who rocked up played their part. It was just great fun.”
He said dozens of British and Canadian fans showed up to watch the Jays’ explosive nine-run sixth inning.
Hunter first fell in love with baseball during a trip to Hamilton in 1994, when the Blue Jays were just coming off winning their second straight World Series title.
When he returned to England, he said he found it almost impossible to keep up with the team or meet other fans.
That changed in the early 2000s, when he started a small Facebook group, which only had 13 fans at the time. Now, Hunter’s group has grown into an online community with nearly 4,000 followers on X, as well as fans on Instagram and YouTube.
10/25/25 18:53
The starting lineups for Game 2
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Nathan Lukes celebrate scoring against the Baltimore Orioles on September 14, 2025. The three are part of the starting lineup for Game 2 of the World Series against the L.A. Dodgers.Mark Blinch/Getty Images
The teams have announced their starting lineups for Saturday night:
Toronto Blue Jays
1. George Springer DH
2. Nathan Lukes LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
4. Alejandro Kirk C
5. Daulton Varsho CF
6. Ernie Clement 3B
7. Addison Barger RF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa 2B
9. Andres Gimenez SS
L.A. Dodgers
1. Shohei Ohtani DH
2. Mookie Betts SS
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Will Smith C
5. Teoscar Hernandez RF
6. Max Muncy 3B
7. Enrique Hernandez LF
8. Tommy Edman 2B
9. Andy Pages CF
10/25/25 18:35
Joe Carter to throw out first pitch for Game 2
– Globe staff
Joe Carter speaks to media prior to game two of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2025.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
In keeping with the tradition of spotlighting members of the last World Series team, beloved Blue Jay Joe Carter, he of the Game 6 walk-off home run, will be throwing out the first pitch tonight. Last night, former manager Cito Gaston had the honour.
According to a post from Dodgers fan Tommy Torres on Instagram (which was shared by Carter), Joe was keeping up traditions as well. He visited Kensington Market’s Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for a slice of coconut cream pie, just as he did before that game in 1993.
10/25/25 18:03
Ohtani unaffected by Jays’ fans chants, says manager
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he doesn’t think Shohei Ohtani was paying any attention when Toronto fans chanted “We don’t need you” during his at-bat in the ninth inning the Blue Jays’ Game 1 win.
“I think that he understands why he was booed. I don’t think he minds it,” Roberts said. “I don’t think it necessarily fuels his fire. I’ve used this word with Shohei a lot. He’s just a really good compartmentalizer, so I don’t think it really affects him.”
The Blue Jays courted the Japanese superstar in the offseason of 2023 and were believed to be close to landing the coveted free agent, who eventually elected to sign with the Dodgers for US$700,000,000.
Ohtani, a three-time MVP, homered, walked and struck out twice in four at-bats on Friday.
10/25/25 18:01
Three ways the Jays’ Game 1 made World Series history
– Globe staff
Trey Yesavage pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game 1 of the World Series at Rogers Centre on October 24, 2025.Mark Blinch/Getty Images
Between the players on the fields and the plays of the night, the Jays have already put themselves into the World Series history books:
- Trey Yesavage, 22, was the second-youngest Game 1 starting pitcher in World Series history. Ralph Branca, who was 21 when he pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, holds th record
- Having Daulton Varsho, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the starting lineup marked the first time three sons of former MLB players started for one team
- Addison Barger’s sixth inning hit was the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history
10/25/25 17:33
No Bichette in starting lineup for Game 2
Bo Bichette connects for a base hit against the Dodgers during the first inning in Game 1 of the World Series, Oct. 24, 2025, in Toronto.David J. Phillip/The Associated Press
Bo Bichette is not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s Game 2 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get into the game at some point.
Bichette started Game 1 on Friday – an 11-4 win for the Jays -- his first game in seven weeks as he’s been recovering from a knee injury suffered in early September. He played second base, a position he’d never played in the majors, instead of his usual shortstop. In Game 2, the Jays are starting Isaiah Kiner-Falefa at second, but Bichette could enter later in the game.
“He felt pretty good after the game. Checking in with him today, probably feels a little bit better than he expected,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. “When we put him on the roster, we did it because we thought he could help us win, which he did yesterday, and keeping in mind that he hasn’t played in seven weeks.”
10/25/25 16:52
Jays pitcher Gausman excited for first World Series start
– The Canadian Press
Kevin Gausman will pitch in the World Series for the first time when he starts Game 2 on Saturday.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Kevin Gausman’s years of waiting are finally over: He will pitch in a World Series.
He was named the Toronto Blue Jays starter for Game 2 of the best-of-seven championship series, facing the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The 13-year veteran who has played for five Major League Baseball teams was excited to finally play on the game’s biggest stage.
“Every year you go into the season with the hope that you’re one of the last two teams playing. That just hasn’t been the reality for me,” Gausman said in a news conference before Game 1. “I’m just really excited for this group and for myself.
“It’s been a crazy ride and now we are here, and we’re excited to kind of show the world what the Blue Jays are all about.”
He’ll be pitching vs. right-hander Yoshinobu Yamanoto.
10/25/25 16:11
Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha to sing national anthems at Game 2
- The Canadian Press
Alessia Cara is set to sing Canada’s national anthem for Game 2 in the World Series on Saturday.Jordan Strauss/The Canadian Press
Mississauga, Ont.-born Alessia Cara is set to lend her voice to Canada’s national anthem for Game 2 in the World Series on Saturday night, while pop singer Bebe Rexha will take on the Star-Spangled Banner.
In addition to Cara and Rexha, the Jonas Brothers are due to perform partway through Saturday’s game as part of a partnership with Stand Up to Cancer.
American gospel group Voices of Fire performed both anthems at Friday night’s Game 1 in Toronto, along with “a local ensemble of vocalists” joining for O Canada.
10/25/25 15:52
Opinion: While Dodgers waited for luck to appear, Blue Jays made their own in World Series opener
In Friday’s first game of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a clear approach to the game – they would Dodgers their way through it.
Their ace, Blake Snell, came out looking like he’d gotten a ransom phone call five minutes before taking the field. Snell can sometimes be a little erratic. On Friday, he couldn’t locate the plate with binoculars. But no problem, his team seemed to say. He’ll Dodgers it.
Toronto loaded the bases in the first. No problem. He’ll Dodgers it. Snell gave up a single against the wall in the fourth, and then a home run – his first since August. No problem. He’ll Dodgers it.
Back out in the sixth and nearing 100 pitches, Snell was looking like he could lie down on the mound and fall straight to sleep. The eventual result – an L.A. bullpen Three Mile Island, an Addison Barger grand slam, a nine-run inning and an 11-4 Toronto victory.
10/25/25 15:18
Moves that paid off for the Jays in Game 1
Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is greeted at home plate after hitting a grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning.Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
A few moves that paid off for the Blue Jays in Game 1: activating Bo Bichette, who, in addition to hitting a single in his first at-bat, made a key defensive play at second base in the third inning. He probably saved a run with a backhanded grab up the middle.
And then bringing in Addison Barger for Davis Schneider in the Blue Jays’ nine-run sixth inning, yielding the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history.
10/25/25 14:00
Where to watch the Blue Jays face the Dodgers tonight
– Globe Staff
Not into lining up outside the Rogers Centre? Here's how to watch or listen to tonight's game from home.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Whether you want to beat the World Series crowds or the crowds beat you in the Ticketmaster race, there are plenty of options to watch Game 2 tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
Canadians can watch on television on Sportsnet or CityTV, or stream it online on Sportsnet+.
And if you’re on the move or want to listen on the radio, you can tune in to CJCL/Sportsnet 590 The FAN (590 AM) in Toronto. For fans outside the GTA, find your local Blue Jays Radio Network station here.
10/24/25 17:12
The full World Series schedule and game start times
- Globe staff
The World Series logo is placed on near home plate as ground crews at the Rogers Centre prepare the field on Thursday.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Baseball fans, mark your calendars! The World Series could make late nights for several of your evenings in the coming week or so. Here’s a look at the rest of the schedule as the Blue Jays and Dodgers continue to battle it out:
- Game 2 – Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto
- Game 3 – Monday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles
- Game 4 – Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles
- Game 5 – Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles (if necessary)
- Game 6 – Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto (if necessary)
- Game 7 – Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto (if necessary)
10/24/25 15:41
From ticket prices to uniforms, here’s what’s changed since the Jays’ last World Series in 1993
- Moira Wyton
Former Blue Jays star hitter Joe Carter celebrated after his World Series-winning three-run home run in 1993, 32 years before George Springer cheered his own three-run home run that clinched the ALCS and sent the Jays to their third-ever World Series.The Associated Press
The last time the Blue Jays won a World Series, you had to line up or mail a cheque to buy tickets, Rogers Centre was still called the SkyDome and more than three-quarters of the team’s 2025 ALCS roster hadn’t even been born.
The 1993 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies was the team’s second World Series win in a row, and holds a special place in the hearts of Blue Jays’ fans across Canada. But so much has changed for the team, its supporters and Toronto in the 32 years since.
From player salaries to uniforms and the price of hot dogs, take a look back at what’s changed since 1993.
10/24/25 14:08
The Dodgers’ official World Series roster
- Globe staff
The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, a pitcher and designated hitter, hits during batting practice on Thursday.Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press
Los Angeles announced its full 26-man lineup for the World Series on Friday. Here’s a full list of the players that made the cut.
Pitchers:
- Anthony Banda
- Jack Dreyer
- Tyler Glasnow
- Edgardo Henriquez
- Clayton Kershaw
- Will Klein
- Roki Sasaki
- Emmet Sheehan
- Blake Snell (starting game 1)
- Blake Treinen
- Justin Wrobleski
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Shohei Ohtani (also a designated hitter)
Infielders:
- Mookie Betts
- Freddie Freeman
- Max Muney
- Miguel Rojas
Outfielders:
- Alex Call
- Justin Dean
- Teoscar Hernández
- Andy Pages
In and outfielders:
- Tommy Edman
- Kiké Hernández
- Hyeseong Kim
Catchers:
- Ben Rortvedt
- Will Smith
10/24/25 13:35
The Blue Jays’ official World Series roster
- Globe Staff
Shortstop Bo Bichette is back on the Jays roster for the World Series after a knee injury sidelined him for more than six weeks.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
Toronto announced its 26-player lineup for the World Series against the L.A. Dodgers on Friday. Here are all the players who made it.
Pitchers:
- Chris Bassit
- Shane Bieber
- Seranthony Domínguez
- Braydon Fisher
- Mason Fluharty
- Kevin Gausman
- Jeff Hoffman
- Eric Lauer
- Brendon Little
- Max Scherzer
- Louis Varland
- Trey Yesavage (starting Game 1)
Infielders:
- Addison Barger
- Bo Bichette
- Ernie Clement
- Ty France
- Andrés Giminéz
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefah
Outfielders:
- Nathan Lukes
- Davis Schneider
- George Springer
- Myles Straw
- Daulton Varsho
Catchers:
- Tyler Heineman
- Alejandro Kirk
10/24/25 13:20
The story behind the Blue Jays’ bedazzled home run jacket
- Courtney Shea
Shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa puts the home run jacket on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after Guerrero hit a solo home run the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium during the ALDS.Brad Penner/Reuters
Throughout the postseason, you’ve seen the Blue Jays’ celebration blazer, a custom design created specifically for the 2025 playoff season. It’s emblazoned with the players’ home countries to reflect the team’s diverse provenances, along with the Jays logo, Guerrero’s “Plakata!” catchphrase and a sparkly Canadian flag running down the sleeve. It’s fun, flashy and unabashed, and recently even caught the eye of Project Runway alum (and proud New Yorker) Tim Gunn.
The jacket is part of a growing baseball trend in the social media era, where teams create their specific rituals that mark the big home run moments of a game. The Mariners have their trident, the Yankees bark like dogs and the Orioles chug from a water-filled beer bong. Starting Friday, Jays fans will likely witness the appearance of the Dodgers’ Samurai helmet during the series – although hopefully not too much of it.
Read more about the Jays’ jacket here.