Following an unprecedented, grueling 18-inning marathon in Game 3, the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers returned to the diamond for a pivotal World Series Game 4. The previous night’s contest, an epic battle requiring 19 total pitchers, left both bullpens severely depleted and set a demanding stage for the subsequent matchup. As chronicled in the accompanying video, the intensity only escalated as both clubs vied for a crucial series advantage.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts aptly acknowledged the physical and mental toll, stating, “Last night was taxing on both clubs’ pens.” Yet, in the high-stakes environment of the World Series, as Blue Jays manager John Schneider countered, “Everyone’s feeling good. They like these situations.” This mentality underscored the immense pressure on starting pitchers to provide length, a stark contrast to the prior evening’s bullpen extravaganza.
Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Two-Way World Series Debut
The pre-game narrative for World Series Game 4 centered on one individual: Shohei Ohtani. Fresh off a historic Game 3 performance where he reached base nine times—contributing to a streak of 13 consecutive times reaching base in his last two home games, including five home runs—Ohtani was slated to make his first-ever World Series start on the mound. This dual-threat capability, an anomaly in modern baseball, added an unparalleled layer of anticipation to the contest.
Ohtani’s readiness, despite the late-night finish, was never in doubt for the Dodgers’ skipper. Dave Roberts confirmed his commitment to Ohtani pitching and hitting, highlighting the player’s unique resilience. Facing the Blue Jays, Ohtani quickly demonstrated his prowess, registering strikeouts and challenging hitters with his diverse arsenal, notably getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on three pitches in the first inning.
Bieber’s Resilient Start Amidst Pressure
Across the dugout, Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber, a Cy Young Award winner in 2020, navigated his own narrative of comeback and high expectations. After undergoing Tommy John surgery early last year and being traded to the Blue Jays in July, Bieber had defied conventional recovery timelines, returning to impressive form. He had previously dominated ALCS Game 3 with eight strikeouts over six innings, though his Game 7 performance saw him exit early.
In World Series Game 4, Bieber delivered precisely what the Blue Jays required. He matched Ohtani’s intensity, pitching effectively through the early innings and providing much-needed length. His ability to induce weak contact and generate strikeouts, including twice fanning the potent Ohtani, proved instrumental in keeping Toronto competitive.
Blue Jays’ Strategic Adjustments and Offensive Spark
The Blue Jays entered Game 4 facing significant challenges, notably the absence of veteran George Springer from the lineup due to right-side discomfort. Springer, with an impressive 23 career postseason home runs, left a considerable void. Bo Bichette stepped into the designated hitter role, prompting other lineup adjustments.
Despite these obstacles, Toronto showcased remarkable strategic discipline. Blue Jays hitters adopted a patient approach against Ohtani, working deep counts to elevate his pitch count and force him to expend extra effort. This strategy yielded early dividends, as Bo Bichette drew a walk, and Addison Barger followed with a single, creating a scoring threat in the first inning.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. Delivers a Franchise Record
A pivotal moment in World Series Game 4 arrived in the third inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped to the plate. After being struck out by Ohtani on three pitches in his first at-bat, Guerrero capitalized on a hanging breaking ball, sending a powerful drive to deep left-center field. This two-run home run not only gave the Blue Jays the lead but also marked his seventh postseason home run, setting a new Blue Jays franchise record and surpassing legends Joe Carter and Jose Bautista.
Guerrero’s monumental blast represented only the fourth home run Ohtani had surrendered throughout the entire regular and postseason. The French announcer’s enthusiastic call underscored the significance of the moment, describing it as “a breaking ball, hung, and Vladimir did not miss.” This offensive surge provided a critical psychological boost for Toronto.
Defensive Highlights and Bullpen Implications
Defensive plays also played a critical role in shaping the early innings of World Series Game 4. Kiké Hernández of the Dodgers initiated the game with a spectacular catch down the left field line, reaching over the short wall to record the first out. This early highlight underscored the premium on every play in a World Series contest.
For the Blue Jays, Daulton Varsho, known for his Gold Glove caliber defense, made crucial catches in center field, including robbing Will Smith of a hit. These defensive efforts complemented the pitching prowess and strategic hitting, maintaining the tight scoring margin. The immense strain placed on bullpens during Game 3, where the Dodgers covered 13.1 innings and the Blue Jays 12.2, created an acute awareness of the need for starters to go deep into Game 4. This backdrop heightened the strategic decisions surrounding pitcher usage as the game progressed, particularly when Shane Bieber faced a conversation with John Schneider about his continued presence in the game.
Beyond the Highlights: Your Blue Jays vs. Dodgers World Series Game 4 Q&A
What game is this article about?
This article highlights Game 4 of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Who is Shohei Ohtani and what was special about his role in Game 4?
Shohei Ohtani is a unique player for the Dodgers who both pitches and hits. In Game 4, he made his historic first-ever World Series start on the pitcher’s mound.
What big play did Vladimir Guerrero Jr. make for the Blue Jays?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run for the Blue Jays, giving them the lead and setting a new franchise record for postseason home runs.
How did the previous game, Game 3, impact Game 4?
Game 3 was a very long 18-inning contest that heavily used both teams’ relief pitchers. This meant starting pitchers in Game 4, like Ohtani and Bieber, faced immense pressure to pitch for longer stretches.