Blue Jays rally past Dodgers 6-2 in Game 4 as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homer, seventh-inning surge even World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 in Game 4 of the 2025 World Series, tying the series 2-2 after Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run homer and a decisive four-run seventh inning.
- Final score: Blue Jays 6, Dodgers 2; series tied 2-2 (MLB).
- Turning point: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushed a two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning (MLB).
- Seventh inning: Toronto plated four runs against the Dodgers’ bullpen after Ohtani exited (MLB).
- Starting pitchers: Dodgers — Shohei Ohtani; Blue Jays — Shane Bieber (ESPN).
Game summary
The Blue Jays overturned an early Dodgers lead and seized momentum with power hitting and a patient approach in the later innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s third-inning two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani gave Toronto the advantage that was widened in the seventh.
Shohei Ohtani’s pitching performance and the key pitch
Ohtani started for the Dodgers after his 18-inning heroics the night before and showed great resilience, retiring a long string of batters. Still, in the third inning he hung a sweeper over the plate that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. punished, turning a tight contest into a Toronto lead (MLB; video: YouTube).
Analysts singled out that swing as the pivotal moment, even as Ohtani settled and retired 11 of 12 hitters after the homer. The narrative hinged on one mistake pitch amid an otherwise strong outing (MLB).
What happened in the seventh
Ohtani reached the seventh but his day ended after the first two batters reached base. Managerial choices and the bullpen sequence were decisive: the Blue Jays put together a four-run rally against Anthony Banda and Blake Treinen, with two runs charged to Ohtani due to inherited runners (MLB; MLB).
The inning combined timely hitting, drawn walks and a couple of defensive plays that opened opportunities. Video highlights show the sequence of hits and patience at the plate that made the inning decisive (YouTube).
Dodgers’ offense and missed chances
Los Angeles opened the scoring on an early sacrifice fly but otherwise struggled to string together rallies. Stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman produced a few hard-hit balls, but the Dodgers couldn’t sustain pressure against Shane Bieber and the Blue Jays’ relievers (ESPN; MLB).
Tactical choices and managerial decisions
The game highlighted bullpen usage and starter removal timing. Ohtani’s rare two-way status and his long night prior to Game 4 intensified scrutiny on how long he would last as a pitcher. Dodgers catcher Will Smith summed the feeling up afterward:
“that one mistake slider” and “a couple hits in that seventh inning” — remarks reported by MLB.
Media reaction and analyst notes
Commentators praised Ohtani’s competitiveness while noting that the Guerrero homer and the seventh-inning rally were decisive. The Blue Jays earned credit for rebounding after a marathon Game 3 and for exploiting the Dodgers’ bullpen under pressure (MLB; ESPN; Fox Sports).
Visuals and highlight plays
Highlight reels emphasize Guerrero’s two-run homer, the seventh-inning rally, and key defensive plays that shaped the game’s outcome. Fans can view compiled clips for context on how one pitch and a bullpen sequence swung the contest (YouTube).
Series context and what’s next
The victory evens the World Series at two games apiece and sends the clubs to Toronto for Game 5. After a draining 18-inning Game 3, Game 4 underlined how quickly momentum can swing in a short series (ESPN; MLB).
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact
Local bars, restaurants and sports venues saw strong interest in World Series viewing nights. A tied series suggests more high-stakes games, which can boost hospitality, merchandise sales and short-term retail activity across the region.
Political and public policy consequences
City services must plan for game-night surges around viewing locations. Officials may adjust transit, public-safety staffing and crowd-control resources — routine logistical decisions with budgetary impacts.
Social effects on the community
The World Series creates shared experiences for families and neighborhoods, often boosting local interest in youth baseball and softball and providing material for coaching clinics and youth programs.
Cultural relevance
The Inland Empire’s ties to Southern California sports culture mean many residents follow the Dodgers closely. Stars like Ohtani and Guerrero cross cultural and generational lines, increasing regional engagement.
Practical applications for residents
- Make reservations early for viewing parties and allow extra travel time for downtown trips.
- Check passport and travel requirements if planning to attend games in Toronto.
- Use game film for coaching points — Guerrero’s plate approach and Ohtani’s pitch selection are teachable examples.
Sources and where to watch
- Game report and detailed box score: MLB.com
- Shohei Ohtani start and analysis: MLB.com
- Lineups and live updates: ESPN
- Highlights and key plays: YouTube
- Media commentary clips: Fox Sports
