LOS ANGELES — World Series Game 4 took a dramatic turn as the Blue Jays tied the series against the Dodgers with a commanding 6-2 victory. The outcome followed an intense 18-inning Game 3, an event that undoubtedly left its mark on both teams. With the Dodgers leading the series 2-1 after Game 3, fans were eager to see which team would recover more swiftly.
Shohei Ohtani, having showcased his prowess as both pitcher and hitter in the previous game, was expected to propel the Dodgers further in this crucial matchup. Despite demonstrating resilience early on by keeping the Blue Jays at bay through the first few innings, Ohtani faced a significant challenge in the third inning. After walking Nathan Lukes, he allowed a two-run homer to star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a mistake that would prove pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum to Toronto.
The Blue Jays’ victory put pressure back on L.A. as they ensured at least one more game at home in Toronto, a vital home-field advantage as they sought to take the lead in this tightly contested World Series.
Game 5 promises to be critical, with the matchup featuring Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage against Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, previously a pitcher who faced challenges yet sparked energy for Toronto in Game 1. Yesavage acknowledged the pressure he faces as a young player but emphasized the support from his team, expressing hope that they wouldn’t find themselves in a desperate situation.
Ohtani’s emotional assessment post-game reflected the pressure felt on the mound, as he acknowledged the regret surrounding Guerrero’s home run, seeking to learn from it. Despite a strong start, fatigue and the strain of heavy innings in Game 3 seemed to catch up with both Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted the need for immediate recovery and refocusing as the players faced the aftermath of their previous battle with exhaustion. The bullpen struggled, allowing several runs in quick succession late in the game, a stark contrast to their previous performance of 11 consecutive scoreless innings.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are keen to bounce back, acknowledging that each game is crucial in the postseason. Their focus returns to the fundamentals of baseball, aiming to secure a win in the pivotal Game 5 as the series remains tight at 2-2. As the Dodgers ready themselves for this important contest, the anticipation for how both teams will respond in this World Series intensifies. With momentum swinging back and forth, fans can expect an exciting continuation of this storied rivalry.