The Toronto Blue Jays leveled the MLB World Series at two games apiece on Tuesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 in Game 4. That decisive series came down to Dodger Stadium. For the Blue Jays, the goal would be to recover from their frustrating and tiring 18-inning defeat in Game 3.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the hero for the Blue Jays. He belted a gigantic, game-turning two-run home run in the third inning. This long ball, his first of the World Series and the seventh of the postseason, allowed Toronto to draw level in the best-of-seven series. Guerrero Jr. came into the game without a single RBI in the Fall Classic. He danced into the end zone for this historic play, igniting the energy of his team.
Los Angeles took the lead in the second inning. Enrique Hernandez followed with a sacrifice fly, and the speedy Max Muncy raced home to score the go-ahead run. The Blue Jays answered right back, showcasing their grit after shaking off the early jitters and rising up from adversity.
Pitcher Shohei Ohtani on debut for Dodgers in World Series. He provided a gutsy start, going more than six innings and allowing four runs on six hits while fanning six batters. Ohtani outmatched Guerrero Jr. on this K, and the batters stood in awe. This would be the end of his insane World Series record streak of reaching base in 11 straight plate appearances. Even with all of his efforts on the mound, his offense failed him in Game 4, going 0-for-3 with a walk and two Ks on the night.
Toronto’s Shane Bieber was just as strong, pitching into the sixth and driving his team to the victory. He didn’t surrender any earned runs, giving up just four hits, walking three and fanning three. The answer to that tonight was Bieber’s strong, seven-inning effort that was absolutely crucial in locking down the Dodgers’ offense.
The key moment of the game came in the seventh when the Blue Jays broke it open with a four-run frame. Andres Gimenez, Bo Bichette and Addison Barger all came through with the timely run-scoring singles that gave Toronto a commanding lead. This bizarrely bad offensive night exposed the Saints depth on display. It highlighted their fortitude, showing that they have the ability to recover from a demoralizing loss.
The bottom of the fifth was the first sign of the Dodgers trying to wrestle back control of the game, as left-hander Anthony Banda came in to pitch. As Toronto pushed ahead early, their lead would not be overcome as they took home their win.
