More than 44,000 fans packed the Rogers Centre on Halloween night, many donning Toronto Blue Jays jerseys and ready for a celebration. What unfolded, however, resembled a baseball horror story rather than a festive spectacle.
The Blue Jays’ ninth-inning rally collapsed almost immediately, resulting in a 3-1 Dodgers victory in Game 6, sending the Fall Classic to a decisive Game 7 in Toronto.
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The Rally That Never Was
Toronto fans will replay the critical moments of the ninth inning in their minds for a long time. The rally began promisingly: Alejandro Kirk was hit by a pitch, and Addison Barger launched a powerful shot to left field that lodged itself at the base of the wall.
Instead of scoring pinch runner Myles Straw from first base to trim the Dodgers’ lead, the unusual occurrence of the ball getting stuck prevented any runners from advancing. A rare scenario like this is almost impossible to see again in a lifetime of baseball.
With no outs and runners on second and third, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a bold move, bringing in starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow to halt the rally.
A Risk That Paid Off
Using a starter in such a critical situation was highly unconventional, but it worked instantly.
- Ernie Clement popped up on the first pitch.
- Andres Gimenez then hit a ball to left field that was caught, and Barger was thrown out for a double play, abruptly ending the game.
The Rogers Centre fell silent. Fans were forced to confront the ultimate heartbreak: Game 7.
Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: The Stakes
The Dodgers, defending champions with one of baseball’s largest payrolls, have navigated the playoffs with relative ease. Their goal in Game 7 is to avoid faltering at the final hurdle.
The Blue Jays, who have exceeded expectations all season, are attempting to avoid back-to-back home losses after holding a 3-2 series lead. Despite a stellar 54-27 regular season record at home, Toronto has gone just 3-4 in the last two playoff series at Rogers Centre.
The Pressure of a Game 7
A Game 7 is unique—not only does a team fight for victory, but the threat of crushing defeat looms larger than ever.
Toronto fans can take solace in the fact that their team has the Dodgers within reach. The Blue Jays have embraced their underdog status all season, relying on deep trust within a roster of scrappy veterans and a few standout stars.
- They rallied from 0-2 against Seattle in the ALCS.
- They recovered from a tough Game 5 loss.
- In the World Series, they bounced back after an 18-inning loss in Game 3 to win two consecutive games in Los Angeles.
Their resilience and history of comebacks suggest they may be well-equipped to handle the ultimate challenge: a Game 7 showdown.
Key Performances in Game 6
The Dominance of Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Before the heartbreaking ninth inning, Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the main obstacle. The 26-year-old Japanese star limited Toronto’s potent lineup, allowing only five hits and striking out six. A pair of double plays further stifled potential rallies.
Kevin Gausman’s Strong Start
Kevin Gausman began the game with fireworks, striking out Shohei Ohtani and five of the first six batters. However, the third inning saw the Dodgers string together three hits in a critical sequence:
- Tommy Edman doubled to right field.
- Ohtani was intentionally walked.
- Will Smith hit a run-scoring double.
- Mookie Betts followed with a two-run single.
Despite Gausman’s otherwise strong performance, Toronto fell behind 3-0.
Blue Jays’ Missed Opportunities
After Yamamoto left the game, Toronto had two runners on in the eighth inning but failed to capitalize. Bo Bichette popped up, and Daulton Varsho’s chance was nullified.
The ultimate heartbreak came in the ninth: one hit could have tied the game, but the opportunity vanished. Halloween night ended not with celebration, but with a sorcerer-like snap of fate extinguishing Toronto’s rally.
Blue Jays’ Resilience and Hope
Despite the defeat, the Blue Jays have consistently demonstrated tenacity:
- They excel at wearing down opponents.
- They have proven they can recover from adversity.
- Game 7 offers one final chance for a season-defining, improbable championship.
Toronto fans can take comfort knowing their team has a history of rising in high-pressure situations. The Blue Jays may be underdogs, but their spirit and unity give them a real shot at ending the series triumphantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Game 7 of the 2025 World Series?
Game 7 will be played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday night, following Game 6.
Who are the key pitchers to watch in Game 7?
Toronto’s Kevin Gausman and the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto are crucial, though bullpen strategies may influence the outcome.
How have the Blue Jays performed at home in the playoffs?
Toronto had a 54-27 regular season home record but went 3-4 in the last two playoff series at Rogers Centre.
What was the turning point in Game 6?
The rally in the ninth inning collapsed due to a ball lodged in the fence and a double play, ending Toronto’s scoring chance.
What does a Game 7 mean for the series?
Game 7 is a winner-takes-all scenario, amplifying pressure and stakes for both teams.
Conclusion
Halloween 2025 proved cruel for Blue Jays fans. A last-minute rally gone wrong turned celebration into heartbreak, forcing a winner-takes-all Game 7. Despite the disappointment, Toronto’s resilience and underdog spirit offer hope. With one final game to decide the championship, the Blue Jays’ improbable journey continues, and the city awaits a potential historic triumph.
