When Blake Snell, the left‑handed ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers, steps onto the mound at Rogers Centre for Game 1 of the 2025 World SeriesToronto, the stakes feel like a baseball‑themed thriller.
Game 1 Overview and Stakes
The first clash of the best‑of‑seven series is set for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. The Dodgers arrive on a hot streak – they posted a 9‑1 record through the postseason, dispatching the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. Their deeper goal? To become the first repeat champion since the Yankees’ three‑peat from 1998‑2000, a feat that would mark a historic 25‑year gap.
Opposite them, the Toronto Blue Jays are chasing a return to glory that hasn’t happened since Joe Carter’s walk‑off homer in 1993 – the same stadium, the same city, a 32‑year wait.
Pitching Duel: Snell vs. Yesavage
Snell’s postseason résumé reads like a textbook case study: a sparkling 0.86 ERA, two shutout outings against Toronto in the regular season, and a 1‑run, five‑inning gem in the 2023 World Series matchup. The veteran’s arsenal – a late‑life slider that drops like a hammer and a fastball that still tops 94 mph – has baffled right‑handers all season.
Facing him is rookie right‑hander Trey Yesavage. Yesavage has logged three playoff starts, winning two, and showed poise in a five‑inning spell against the Mariners in the ALDS. His strike‑out‑to‑walk ratio sits at 12‑3, but the big question is whether his inexperience will bite against a Dodgers lineup that averaged 1.42 runs per inning in the postseason.
Lineups and Key Players
The Blue Jays’ bats feature a mix of power and speed. George Springer lines up in right field as designated hitter, boasting a postseason slugging percentage of .680. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchors first base, already tallying 5 home runs. Catcher Alejandro Kirk brings a .340 on‑base average, while shortstop Andres Giménez adds a glove that earned him a Gold Glove finalist nod.
On the Dodgers side, the lineup reads like a Hall‑of‑Fame draft. Shohei Ohtani will swing as designated hitter, a dual‑threat that still baffles opposing scouts. Mookie Betts patrols shortstop, and Freddie Freeman leads the first‑base crowd with a .340 postseason average.
Betting Landscape and Expert Picks
Betting markets have the Dodgers as -210 favorites, translating to a 60.4 % implied win probability on ESPN BET. MLB.com’s expert poll (56 voters) leaned even heavier, 36 votes for LA (≈64 %). Fox Sports’ predictive algorithm, however, paints a tighter picture: a 52 % chance for the Dodgers and 48 % for Toronto.
Run‑line odds sit at Dodgers -1.5 (≈-157). The total is pegged at 7.5 runs. CBS Sports points to an “Under 3.5 runs in the first five innings (+100)” as a value play, citing Snell’s early‑innings dominance. Meanwhile, Fox Sports’ model predicts a 5‑4 win for Toronto with an “Over 7.5” total – a reminder that this series could swing either way.
What the Home‑field Advantage Means
Rogers Centre’s overhead roof can neutralize wind, giving both pitchers a more controlled environment than most outdoor parks. The venue holds 49,286 baseball fans, and the roar of a home crowd has historically lifted Toronto’s offense by about .15 runs per game in the postseason, according to a 2022 Sabermetrics study.
One factor that could tilt the balance: the Blue Jays will be without outfielder Anthony Santander, sidelined for the entire series. His loss removes a left‑handed bat that generated a .294 postseason average last year.
Key Facts
- Game 1 kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on October 24 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
- Dodgers’ ace Blake Snell carries a 0.86 ERA in this postseason.
- Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage has a 12‑3 K‑BB ratio in the playoffs.
- Betting odds: Dodgers –210, run line -1.5, total 7.5 runs.
- First repeat champion since the Yankees (1998‑2000) if LA wins.
Looking Ahead
If the Dodgers snag a Game 1 win, the pattern set by their 2022 and 2023 campaigns suggests they’ll look to press the advantage, rotating their bullpen heavy hitters like Roki Sasaki into high‑leverage spots. Conversely, a Blue Jays victory would give Toronto momentum, especially with reliever Jeff Hoffman ready to close out games after posting a 1.2 ERA in the postseason.
Either way, this opening clash is more than a single game – it’s the first chapter in a narrative that could rewrite the last two decades of baseball history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Game 1 impact the Dodgers' chance to repeat as champions?
A win would give Los Angeles a 2‑0 series lead, echoing their 2022 path to the title and forcing Toronto into a must‑win scenario. Historically, teams that capture the first game in a best‑of‑seven World Series win the championship about 62 % of the time, raising the Dodgers’ odds from roughly 60 % to near 70 %.
What are the key strengths of rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage?
Yesavage blends a 94 mph fastball with a sharp, breaking slider that induced a .210 opponent batting average in his three playoff outings. His strikeout rate (12 K per 9 IP) and low walk total suggest he can challenge hitters early, though his inexperience could be exposed in high‑leverage moments.
Why is Rogers Centre considered a neutral venue for pitchers?
The retractable roof eliminates wind and temperature swings, giving pitchers consistent air pressure and reducing the chance of sudden ball movement. Data from the 2021‑2024 postseason shows a 0.15‑run reduction for visiting pitchers in dome parks compared to open‑air stadiums.
What does the betting market say about the total runs line?
Oddsmakers set the total at 7.5 runs, reflecting both teams’ potent offenses and solid starters. Analysts who expect a low‑scoring duel lean toward the “Under” due to Snell’s early dominance, while others point to the Blue Jays’ late‑inning surge potential, supporting the “Over.”
Who are the players to watch if the series goes to seven games?
For Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani’s dual role as DH and occasional pitcher could swing momentum, while Mookie Betts’ clutch hitting becomes critical. Toronto should rely on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s power and Jeff Hoffman’s lockdown closing ability in tight games.