In a dramatic turn of events during the 2024 World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays bounced back emphatically from a grueling 18-inning loss the previous night to level the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a convincing 6-2 victory in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium. This win not only tied the series at two games apiece but also guaranteed that the championship series would return to Toronto, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion on Canadian soil.
The Blue Jays entered Game 4 still reeling from one of the most exhausting and heart-wrenching defeats in World Series history. The previous night’s marathon Game 3, which extended to 18 innings and ended with a walk-off win for Los Angeles, had drained both teams’ bullpens and tested the endurance of every player involved. Toronto’s manager, John Schneider, remained defiant after that loss, emphasizing that the Dodgers had won only a single game, not the entire championship. His players took that message to heart and responded with poise and determination less than 24 hours later.
The game began with the Dodgers drawing first blood. In the second inning, Max Muncy reached base via a walk, advanced on a single, and eventually scored on Kiké Hernández’s sacrifice fly, giving Los Angeles an early 1-0 lead. However, the Blue Jays, known all season for their resilience and ability to overcome adversity with a league-leading 49 comeback wins, quickly erased the deficit. In the third inning, Nathan Lukes singled to center with one out, setting the stage for Toronto’s star hitter, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero, who had been seeking his first extra-base hit of the World Series, capitalized on a mistake by Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani. He launched a towering two-run home run over the left-center field wall, his seventh homer of the postseason—a new franchise record. This pivotal blast not only put the Blue Jays ahead 2-1 but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
Guerrero’s home run was especially significant because it halted Ohtani’s remarkable streak of reaching base in 11 consecutive plate appearances during the series. The two-way superstar had been dazzling in Game 3, smashing two home runs himself and reaching base nine times, setting a new World Series record. However, Game 4 was a different story. Ohtani started on just two days’ rest, the shortest of his career, having required an IV for hydration after the previous marathon. His fastball velocity was noticeably down, and although he showed flashes of brilliance by retiring 11 of 12 batters at one stretch and striking out six, he struggled more as the game progressed. Ultimately, he gave up six hits and four runs over six-plus innings, including the costly home run to Guerrero.
The Dodgers’ troubles mounted when Ohtani finally reached his pitch limit in the seventh inning. After Daulton Varsho singled and Ernie Clement doubled off the wall to put runners on second and third with no outs, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had no choice but to remove Ohtani to protect his arm. The home crowd gave the star a standing ovation as he exited. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the relief pitchers who followed could not contain the Blue Jays’ surge. Anthony Banda entered the game but quickly fell behind in the count before Andrés Giménez drove in Varsho with a single, extending Toronto’s lead to 3-1. A groundout from Ty France added another run, forcing Banda out of the game. Blake Treinen replaced him but was also unable to stem the tide. RBI singles from Bo Bichette and Addison Barger completed a four-run rally in the inning, pushing the score to 6-1 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Toronto’s hallmark this postseason has been their ability to absorb early setbacks and respond decisively, a trait on full display once again. Notably, they achieved this without their injured leadoff hitter George Springer, who had left Game 3 due to a right-side injury. The collective effort from the lineup showcased the depth and resilience of this Blue Jays team, with six players recording hits and five contributing RBIs during the game.
On the mound, Shane Bieber was the steady hand Toronto needed. Acquired mid-season while still rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery, Bieber delivered a composed and efficient performance in his World Series debut. The former Cy Young Award winner kept the Dodgers’