The Toronto Blue Jays launched an emphatic assault on the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning Game 1 of the World Series 11-4 on October 27, 2023. The decisive moment came during the sixth inning when Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs, leading to a nine-run explosion that underscored the Dodgers’ vulnerabilities in relief pitching.
The scene unfolded at the sold-out Rogers Centre, with the game still tied at 2-2 when Sheehan took the mound. The 25-year-old, who had limited experience in high-pressure situations, had only previously checked into a game mid-inning once. As Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ ace, struggled to manage his pitch count and command, the team faced a critical juncture. Snell recorded just 15 outs before exiting, stating, “Just a tough game… a lot to learn.”
The Dodgers faced a challenging situation even before the game began, as Alex Vesia, one of their top relievers, was sidelined due to a “deeply personal family matter.” His absence left the Dodgers with only four reliable options for high-leverage situations: Sheehan, Anthony Banda, Blake Treinen, and Roki Sasaki. Vesia’s departure compounded the pressure on a bullpen already lacking depth.
Sheehan’s introduction to the game was fraught with peril. Following Snell’s 100th pitch, which hit Daulton Varsho, the bases were loaded. Despite being more effective against left-handed batters, Sheehan was tasked with containing the Blue Jays’ lineup. Unfortunately, he allowed an RBI single to Ernie Clement, lost pinch-hitter Nathan Lukes to a bases-loaded walk, and surrendered a line drive to Andres Gimenez for another run-scoring single.
With the score escalating, Banda entered the fray but faced dire consequences. In a historic moment, Addison Barger hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, followed shortly by a two-run homer from Alejandro Kirk. This barrage resulted in an insurmountable lead for the Blue Jays, leaving the Dodgers’ bullpen scrambling and the game effectively decided.
Banda acknowledged his shortcomings, stating, “I just didn’t do a very good job of executing.” The situation placed immense pressure on both Banda and Treinen, the only remaining relievers from last year’s championship run, as both signed offseason contracts to bolster the bullpen. Unfortunately, the new additions, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, struggled throughout the season and were deemed unfit for the World Series roster.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff had previously excelled, holding the Milwaukee Brewers to four runs in the National League Championship Series. However, they now faced a Blue Jays lineup that proved more potent and patient than Milwaukee’s. Snell’s command faltered, leading to a taxing first inning that required 29 pitches. By the time he exited, the bullpen was tasked with 12 outs, but they managed only three before the game slipped away.
Despite the defeat, Snell expressed confidence in his team: “We’re confident. We know how good we are. That was a tough game… It’s four games. You gotta win four.” With the series still in its early stages, the Dodgers must address their relief pitching issues to remain competitive in the World Series.
