Blue Jays defeat Dodgers 11-4 to take 1-0 lead in World Series. Recap here.

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night to take a 1-0 lead in the World Series.

A nine-run sixth inning, highlighted by Addison Barger’s historic pinch-hit grand slam, propelled Toronto to an 11-4 win.

Game 2 is on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Kevin Gausman will have the ball for the Blue Jays, and the Dodgers will counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

KEY DETAILS

• Addison Barger hits the first-ever pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history
• Blue Jays score nine runs in the sixth inning, including home runs from Barger and Alejandro Kirk.
• Bo Bichette singles in his first postseason appearance after returning from injury
• Daulton Varsho also hit a long ball to tie the game

Here are some highlights from Game 1:

11:51 p.m. - Three more

11:43 p.m. - 📸 from Game 1

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11:42 p.m. - Nathan Phillips Square goes wild

11:35 p.m. – World Series Game 1 history

According to MLB writer Sarah Langs, 22 teams have won Game 1 of a World Series after trailing by multiple runs.

Of the prior 21, those teams went on to win the series 15 times.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

11:33 p.m. - Chants of ‘We don’t need you’

The crowd inside Rogers Centre chanted, “We don’t need you” as Shohei Ohtani was batting in the top of the ninth inning.

FINAL SCORE: Blue Jays 11, Dodgers 4

The Blue Jays have won their first World Series game since 1993 with an 11-4 victory over the Dodgers.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

11:07 p.m. - Bassitt protects lead

Chris Bassitt pitches a scoreless top of the eighth inning to keep the Blue Jays’ 7-run lead.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

11:05 p.m. - Inside the Blue Jays dugout

10:51 p.m. – Jays join World Series history

MLB writer Sarah Langs says the Blue Jays’ 9-run inning is the third-most in a World Series inning, behind only the Detroit Tigers in 1968, and the former Philadelphia Athletics in 1929.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

10:46 p.m. - Ohtani 2-run homer

With one out in the top of the seventh inning, Shohei Ohtani launches one in right field to cut the lead to 11-4.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:43 p.m. - Grand slam reactions

10:40 p.m. - Historic grand slam

10:36 p.m. - Kirk goes deep too

Alejandro Kirk also goes deep in the bottom of the sixth inning and the Blue Jays are up 11-2.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:32 p.m. - Barger grand slam

Pinch-hitting for Davis Schneider, Addison Barger hits a grand slam.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:28 p.m. - Gimenez extends Jays lead

Andres Gimenez singles to score another run, giving the Blue Jays a 5-2 lead.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:25 p.m. - Lukes bases-loaded walk

After falling behind 0-2, Nathan Lukes, pinch-hitting for Myles Straw, works out a bases-loaded walk to extend the Blue Jays’ lead.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:21 p.m. - Clement gives Jays lead

With the bases loaded with no outs, Clements hits a single to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the game.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:17 p.m. - Snell out

After hitting Daulton Varsho to load the bases, Blake Snell has been taken out of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

10:07 p.m. - Vlad Sr. watches on

Vladimir Guerrero Sr. was on hand to see his son Vladimir Jr. get his first World Series hit.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:55 p.m. - Varsho breaks Snell’s streak

According to MLB Stats, Blake Snell had not allowed a home run to a left-handed hitter this year until Daulton Varsho went deep tonight.

Varsho’s long ball is Toronto’s first World Series home run since 1993.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:52 p.m. - Scenes from Nathan Phillips Square

9:41 p.m. - Yesavage done after 4

Trey Yesavage is done after four innings, only giving up two runs on four hits to the Dodgers. The rookie pitcher struck out five in his World Series debut.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:34 p.m. - Varsho homers

After a long single by Alejandro Kirk, Daulton Varsho launches a home run in centre field to tie the game.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:30 p.m. - Drake in the building

Toronto rapper Drake is watching the game at Rogers Centre. He was shown on the Jumbotron and received mostly cheers.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:28 p.m. - Scoreless fourth for Yesavage

After giving up runs in the second and third innings, Trey Yesavage retired all the hitters he faced in the fourth.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9:23 p.m.- Vladdy’s first World Series hit

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singles in the bottom of the third inning, his first World Series hit.

9:21 p.m. – Schneider comments on Yesavage’s Game 1 start

“He came out really well and then made a pretty good adjustment there in the second and third innings,” John Schneider said about Trey Yesavage in an in-game interview with MLB on FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal at the bottom of the third.

“Just the lead-off walks the last two innings… overall, I think he’s handled himself well, pitched out of a couple jams, and made big pitches when he had to.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

9:17 p.m. - Bichette’s play

9:09 p.m. - Another run for Dodgers

Will Smith hits a single to cash in Mookie Betts, who walked to start the top of the third inning. The Dodgers are up 2-0.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

9 p.m. - Clement caught at third base

Ernie Clement who singled to open the bottom of the second inning was caught at third base after George Springer grounds into fielder’s choice.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:47 p.m. - Yesavage gets out of jam

With the bases loaded and two outs, Yesavage gets Shohei Ohtani to ground out to first base to end the inning.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:45 p.m. - Kiké drives in first run

The Dodgers are up 1-0 after Kiké Hernandez hits a single to drive in Teoscar Hernandez.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:35 p.m. - Snell escapes jam

Daulton Varsho flies out to centre field to end the first inning, leaving the bases loaded.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:34 p.m. - Bases loaded for Jays

After battling Snell, Alejandro Kirk works a full-count walk to load the bases.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:27 p.m. - Bichette gets first hit

Bo Bichette got loud cheers from the Rogers Centre crowd as he made his first appearance this postseason.

Fans chanted “Let’s go Bo.”

Bichette then hits a single, moving Vladimir Guerrero to third.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:18 p.m. - Yesavage retires the side

Trey Yesavage retires the Dodgers first three hitters in order. For the third out, Freddie Freeman grounds out to Bo Bichette, who is playing second base for the first time in the majors.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:16 p.m. - More boos for Ohtani

As Shohei Ohtani took the batter’s box, the crowd booed him. They then chanted “Let’s go Blue Jays!”

Yesavage proceeds to strike out the Dodgers leadoff hitter to the delight of his family.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:04 p.m. - Play ball

Trey Yesavage has taken the mound to start Game 1 of the World Series. He will face Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

8:01 p.m. - Cito Gaston throws ceremonial first pitch

Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston, who led the team to back-to-back World Series titles, throws the ceremonial first pitch with current manager John Schneider catching.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

7:55 p.m. - Pharrell and the Voices of Fire gospel group perform

500 American and Canadian performers full the field to sing in between lineup announcements, and later perform the American and Canadian national anthems.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:53 p.m. - Jays player introductions begin

The Blue Jays starting lineup is called out and met with raucous cheers from the Toronto crowd.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:50 p.m. - Dodgers starting lineup booed

LA Dodgers players are being booed as they’re introduced and run onto the field. Former Jay Teoscar Hernández was the only Dodger to receive cheers.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:45 p.m. - Pregame ceremonies begin

Pregame ceremonies have begun at Rogers Centre. Player introductions are being met with large applause from fans in the stadium.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:30 p.m. – A-Rod and Derek Jeter on Bichette’s return to lineup

Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter spoke about Bo Bichette’s return to the Blue Jays lineup on Fox.

Rodriguez says that he doesn’t anticipate Bichette having any defensive issues as he makes the transition to second base from his usual position of shortstop.

“Playing shortstop, you are the quarterback of the infield. It is much tougher to play shortstop than second base. If you are Bo Bichette it should be very simple. Keep it simple: catch the ball, throw the ball. He is here to swing that stick,” he said.

Jeter said that while Bichette has never played second base, he is in the lineup for one reason and that is to hit.

“He led the team in average, he led the team with runners in scoring position and the big thing is he led the league in average against fastballs over 97 miles and hour and you are going to see a lot of velocity coming from the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff. So let’s not get it twisted. That is the reason he is in the lineup,” he says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:20 p.m. - Huge lineup for Jays Shop inside Rogers Centre

7:08 p.m. – ‘Jays in seven:’ MLB Network analyst

MLB Network analyst and GTA native Adnan Virk tells CTV News Toronto that he believes that home field advantage could be a significant factor in the World Series.

Virk also says that the Dodgers could be rusty for Game 1 after an extended break following a four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series.

“I think for Toronto, they have the best home field advantage in all of the American League. I think Toronto wins Game 1, I think they split in LA, they come back to a raucous Rogers Centre for Games 6 and 7. I am calling the Jays in seven,” he says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7 p.m. - Ford and Newsom make World Series wager

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have made a friendly World Series wager.

Ford offered the Democratic governor Ontario’s maple syrup in a tin can, which he said is “the way it’s meant to be enjoyed,” if the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Newsom teased that the syrup will be staying north of the border and offered Ford a bottle of his state’s championship-worthy wine if the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series title.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

6:55 p.m. - Varland speaks on being accepted by Jays teammates

Speaking with MLB Network, Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland said everyone within the Jays organization was “welcoming” when he joined the team at the trade deadline.

“It meant a lot to me, just the whole support of the whole team, from the coaching staff to the players to the support staff, everybody was welcoming and friendly,” Varland said.

Despite being born and raised in Minnesota, Varland said if he could pick any athlete to rep his jersey, he would “keep it in Toronto” and opted for Toronto Maple Leafs player Matthew Knies.

Varland shared that Knies and his brother-in-law were linemates in the Olympics, giving them a unique connection.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

6:48 p.m. – Ohtani takes the field at Rogers Centre

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has taken the field at Rogers Centre and is stretching in the outfield ahead of Game 1.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:40 p.m. – Ohtani truly ‘one of a kind’: Rosenthal

MLB on Fox reporter Ken Rosenthal tells CP24 that Shohei Ohtani is truly a “one of a kind” player and is sure to be a significant factor in the World Series for the Dodgers.

“Unicorn, whatever description you want to use, it is all appropriate,” he says. “He has now done it for a while and yet it is still mind-blowing. You have to step back sometimes and say ‘Whoa, he just hit three home runs and struck out 10 in a game, that is impossible.’ But he makes it possible.”

Rosenthal says that while the Blue Jays have a dangerous offence, they will have their work cut out for them tonight.

“I never believe in baseball a team doesn’t have a chance, I have seen big upsets in the World Series and I don’t know why this can’t be like that. But that said, it would be an upset. It is not expected that the Jays win,” he says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:20 p.m. - ‘Fundamental pitching’ and ‘pounding the strike zone’: Yamamoto on playing the Blue Jays

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will start Game 2 of the World Series for the Dodgers, told reporters his plan to pitch against the Blue Jays tomorrow.

“First off, impression of them for me is that they can string -- I mean keep the lineup moving, and then they can hit home runs when it’s needed,” Yamamoto said through a translator. “So, I’m thinking the key for me is just to keep the fundamental pitching and not to care that much about runners.”

Yamamoto added that he’s not worried about changing his ‘attack’ against the Jays.

“It’s not necessary for me to focus on that part,” he said. “I just like to keep my job simple and just be able to pound the strike zone.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

6:15 p.m. - Dodgers President of Baseball Operations commends Jays organization

“I think Mark (Shapiro) and Ross (Atkins) have done a tremendous job here,” Andrew Friedman told reporters. “I think going back to us (the Dodgers) one big thing -- probably our largest kind of focal point and biggest goal was to try to create a destination spot where our own players didn’t want to leave and where players from other teams wanted to come, and I think invariably we find ourselves going up against the Blue Jays a lot in different ways, and they have created that as well.”

“I think they have done a really good job with their facilities, the way they communicate, how they help get the most out of players,” Friedman added. “I think they have done a tremendous job. So for them to be here is not surprising at all to me.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

6:11 p.m. - White panel caps for World Series

The Blue Jays will officially don their white panel caps, which they believe have brought them luck in the post season, in Game 1 of the World Series.

A post on social media also confirms that players will sport white jerseys for the first game of the Fall Classic.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

6:10 p.m. - Former Jay Teoscar Hernandez seen hugging Guerrero Jr.

Former Blue Jay and current Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was seen chatting with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during batting practice at the Rogers Centre, with the two briefly posing for photos together.

Hernandez played for the Blue Jays between 2017 and 2021, and was named to the All-Star game during his final season with the club.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6 p.m. – Jays-Dodgers is ‘strength against strength’

MLB analyst Ben Verlander tells CP24 that he views the World Series matchup between the Blue Jays and Dodgers as “strength against strength” with Toronto’s balanced hitting going up against a daunting starting rotation led by Game 1 starter Blake Snell.

“It is the Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitching and the Toronto Blue Jays offence and that is not to say the Dodgers don’t have a good offence , they obviously do. But what I mean is that their approach is just different,” Verlander says.

“They (the Blue Jays) struck out the second least amount of times of anybody in the game of baseball this year and that is really going to play a factor in this series and getting these starters from the Dodgers out of the game.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:47 p.m. - Roberts on pitching to Guerrero Jr.

“He’s certainly one of the best hitters in the game, swinging a hot bat,” Roberts said of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. “I think what it comes down to is trying to get those guys out in front of him.”

“If Vlad comes up with guys in scoring position, guys on base, then it certainly makes a job for any pitcher tough. So you just got to really lock in on those first couple guys and try to keep guys off base when he comes up to bat.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

5:45 p.m. - Jays offence is ‘aggressive early’: Roberts

LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says his team needs to make quality pitches to get ahead of the Blue Jays’ offence.

“They’re aggressive early, and then with two strikes, they find a way to put the ball in play,” Roberts told reporters. “We’ve got to make quality pitches early in the count. That’s kind of what it boils down to.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

5:43 p.m. – Winfield says being the underdog is exciting

Former Blue Jays player Dave Winfield who was part of the 1992 team that won Toronto’s first World Series title says being an underdog in the World Series is as exciting as being considered the best.

“Being an underdog, I don’t think it should bother anyone, because you know, if you win, it makes it that much sweeter,” Winfield told CP24 on Friday.

Despite having the better record than the Dodgers, the Blue Jays have been labelled as the underdog going into Fall Classic.

“It’d be great to see seven games and whoever is the best team, let them come out on top,” said Winfield, who lives in LA.

When asked for his prediction, he plays coy. “I’m not saying,” a smiling Winfield said. “I just hope both teams play as good as they can and let the winner be.”

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

5:40 p.m. – New York post columnist says Jays have ‘real shot’

New York Post columnist John Heyman tells CP24 that he would not be surprised if the Blue Jays found a way to upset the Dodgers in the World Series.

Heyman says that while the Dodgers “look like world beaters on paper,” a seven-game series is “very short” and there is a history of upsets in the Fall Classic.

“I remember some major, major upsets much bigger than this would be if Toronto was going to prevail. Look, I think the Blue Jays have a terrific lineup, they are a balanced team and they are a together team. I think they have a real shot,” he says. “I mean if I am pressed, I will pick the Dodgers in six (games) but you know my prediction isn’t worth anything really.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:30 p.m. ‘Hitting won’t be a problem’ for Bichette

MLB Network analyst John Smoltz says “hitting won’t be a problem” for Bo Bichette as he makes his return to the field following a knee injury but there may be some defensive questions.

Bichette, typically a shortstop, is starting at second base tonight, a position he has never played at the major league level.

“I think they went with the bat being the most important thing and they will deal with the defence. They think he is going to do fine and if they have to make a defensive replacement they will adjust there,” Smoltz says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:23 p.m. - Gausman on not starting Game 1

Speaking to reporters, Gausman said he’s not bothered that he won’t be starting Game 1 like in the ALDS and ALCS after pitching in Game 7 on Monday.

“I’m better the more days you give me,” Gausman explained. “I think also it’s about kind of keeping him (Yesavage) locked in, not trying to mess with his routine too much. This does kind of line him up for this day.”

“I knew kind of that maybe pitching Game 7... I wasn’t going to be ready for Game 1. But in my mind I was completely fine with that... We have a lot of great pitchers, so I feel pretty confident with any of the four or five guys to start Game 1.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

5:20 p.m. - ‘This city really loves their athletes’: Gausman on Toronto fans

Gausman said when he first signed with the Jays in 2021, he didn’t realize what it meant to play for a team that represented an entire country, but has grown to love the scale and the fans.

“Signing here, I didn’t necessarily understand one team for an entire country,” he said. “Now I’ve been here for four years, I really understand how much they love us, how much they support us, how much they want us to succeed. If you play well in Toronto, as you’ve seen, all those guys from the 2015, 2016 teams coming back, throwing out the first pitch, like, those guys are legends.”

“So, I think this city really loves their athletes and especially if you give them something to be proud of. So we’re ecstatic. The love that they give us, we feel it out there, and they have turned this place into such a crazy environment, such a fun place to come to work every day. And really, you drive around this city right now, it’s electric. Everybody’s talking about the Blue Jays and they’re fired up for us, and we’re excited to go out and put on a good show for ‘em.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

5:17 p.m. - ‘Show the world what the Blue Jays are all about’: Gausman

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman, who will start Game 2, said he’s excited to play in his first ever World Series, and show off the team to the rest of the world.

“It’s exciting,” he told reporters ahead of Game 1. “I’ve played over 12 years now. Every year you go into the season with the hope that you’re one of the last two teams playing. That just hasn’t been the reality for me. I’m just really excited for this group and for myself. It’s been a crazy ride and now we are here and we’re excited to kind of show the world what the Blue Jays are all about.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

5:15 p.m. – Fans reflect on what 1992 and 1993 meant to them

CP24’s Melissa Duggan is speaking with Blue Jays fans outside the Rogers Centre, where large crowds are beginning to form with first pitch still nearly three hours away.

One fan tells CP24 that she grew up in British Columbia and treasures her early memories of watching the Blue Jays win the World Series in 1992 and 1993.

“I lived and breathed those teams, so actually being a part of it here, now and being able to have a piece of it... There are no words. It is an extraordinary thing and I hope all the little kids we are seeing around here know how lucky they are,” she says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:10 p.m. – Jays fans busy scooping up merchandise

Tex Thomas, owner of Pro League Sports in Regent Park, tells CP24 that today has been one of the busiest days his store has seen since it opened back in 1991. He says that Blue Jays fans have been coming by all day, with many eager to purchase one of the white-panel Jays hats that became a good luck charm for the team earlier in the playoffs.

“We were lucky enough to order some in and everyone has been coming in all morning and all afternoon,” he says. “It has been amazing…”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

4:52 p.m. - ‘I got a lot’: Schneider on superstitions

Schneider told reporters that he has a number of superstitions before games that start before he even gets to the field.

“It starts with the route that I take in to the field,” he explained. “I’ve been walking quite a bit -- I drove a lot last year because of our record. I didn’t want to be seen too much.”

“Coffee in the morning, same time. A few more that are a little bit more intricate at the field in terms of what colour what, what right/left you’re putting on first, what watch I’m wearing. I got a lot. I’m out there.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

4:50 p.m. - How Schneider plans to use Ty France

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he would likely use first baseman Ty France, who is back in the lineup after an injury, as a pinch hitter.

“I think it’s a bat off the bench, probably,” Schneider told reporters when asked how he plans to utilise France. “Just looking at the lefties in their (the LA Dodgers) bullpen and how we think going into this series is our best way to help generate some runs.”

“Ty has been working his tail off in between, and I think he looks pretty damn good hitting. I know you guys all haven’t seen that in real time. Even when we acquired Ty, he’s a professional hitter, so it was kind of easy based on the number of lefties that they’re going to have in their bullpen as well.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

4:48 p.m. - Kevin Gausman to start Game 2

Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed to reporters that Kevin Gausman will start for the team in Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

4:43 p.m. - Gates to open soon as energy remains high outside Rogers Centre

The music is pumping outside of Rogers Centre before doors open on tonight’s game. Some fans are dancing in the long lines to stay warm.

- Melissa Duggan, CP24 video journalist

4:20 p.m. - World Series tickets listed for more than $1,000

Resale ticket prices for Game 1 of the World Series appear to have come down as first pitch approaches but you will still have to shell out big if you want to get inside the Rogers Centre tonight.

As of 4 p.m., the cheapest verified resale ticket available on Ticketmaster was going for $1,032.

That would put you in the very last row of Section 515, row 37 to be exact.

If you are OK going without a seat and cheering on the Jays from one of the general admissions areas in the Rogers Centre, so-called “outfield district” tickets are still available for approximately $900 on Ticketmaster.

That represents a significant premium on the $345 box office price for those tickets when they first went on sale earlier this week.

If you want to sit in the lower bowl, the cheapest resale tickets available on Ticketmaster as of 4 p.m. were listed for $1,700.

Fans had the chance to buy tickets to Toronto’s four potential home games at Rogers Centre on Tuesday before they sold out within 30 minutes. Some fans previously told CTV News that they were able to snag face value tickets in the 500 Level—the cheapest tickets on offer—for $495 (plus taxes and fees).

At one point, the cheapest seats at the Rogers Centre were listed on resale websites for approximately $2,000. While that price has come down a bit, the tickets are still fetching a hefty premium with hours to go until game time.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

4:19 p.m. - Fast facts: World Series knowledge

4:13 p.m. - Four Cy Young winners playing in World Series

MLB writer Sarah Langs shared that this year’s Fall Classic is the second time in World Series history where the combined rosters have four or more Cy Young winners.

Clayton Kershaw and Blake Snell are both previous winners and will take the mound for the Dodgers, while the Jays have former winners Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

4:02 p.m. - LA Dodgers announce starting lineup

4 p.m. – Governor General cheers on the Blue Jays

Governor General Mary Simon has posted a short video on social media cheering on the Blue Jays ahead of Game 1.

In the video, Simon accompanied by her husband Whit Fraser, both wearing team clothing, tip their Blue Jays cap and say, “Atti!” It means “Let’s go!” in Inuktitut.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

3:57 p.m. - Bichette ready to play at second base

Bichette will enter Game 1 playing second base, a position he hasn’t played since his time in the minors. Normally, Bichette’s main role is shortstop, but he said it was his idea to start at second.

“To be honest, I brought it up,” he said. “It was something that I felt like I could get ready for quicker than another position. I just want to be ready to help the team in any way that is afforded to me, so that felt like an opportunity for me and, obviously, they were onboard with it.”

Bichette added that he spoke with Clement, Kiner-Falefa, and Giménez -- who have all played at second -- to help him get ready.

“Luckily our team is full of a bunch of great defenders and guys who have played second base at a high level, so definitely. I’ve talked to Ernie, Isiah, obviously Andrés. But, yeah, I’ve definitely sought out everybody’s opinion on everything and just trying to be ready for any potential situation that maybe I’m not typically used to handling.”

“I think if anybody had doubts that I could do my job there (at second base), I wouldn’t be playing there, so I feel good about where I’m at.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

3:55 p.m. - ‘Like the old days’: Bichette

Gearing up to play for the first time since September and the first time this postseason, Bo Bichette said he’s looking forward to taking the field with Guerrero Jr.

“It will be special,” Bichette told reporters. “It will kind of be like the old days, just on the other side of the field, playing next to him and being next to him. But, I’m just so excited and, obviously, what he’s done this postseason so far is so special, and I’m just really thrilled to be a part of it.”

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

3:51 p.m. - Toronto police chief challenges LA counterpart

In a video posted on social media, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw challenged the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department to a friendly wager.

“Hey Chief (Jim) McDonnell, when the Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series, I want to see you wearing this jersey,” Demkiw said, holding up the team’s baby blue uniform. “And I want to you see post a photo online celebrating our win here in Toronto. Go Jays Go.”

Minutes later, McDonnell accepts the challenge, posting a video of his own.

“Hey Chief Demkiw, I hear Toronto’s feeling bold, and I respect that. But when it comes to October baseball, the Dodgers don’t play around. When our Dodgers win the World Series, you’ll be the one wearing a Dodgers jersey like the one here while taking a photo and congratulating the City of Los Angeles,” McDonnell said, referring to the team’s white uniform behind him in the video.

“And once we bring home the trophy, you can always go back to this,” the LAPD chief added as he takes out a hockey with the Toronto Police Service on it. “Of course, go Dodgers.”

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist

3:36 p.m. - Generational lineup

MLB writer Sarah Langs says with Guerrero Jr., Bichette, and Varsho in the Jays lineup, it becomes the first time in World Series history that three sons of former players started for one team.

- Laura Sebben, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

3:20 p.m. - Bo in ‘good enough position’ to make team better

Speaking to media ahead of Game 1 General Manager Ross Atkins said the decision to place Bichette back into starting lineup wasn’t difficult.

“The Bo (decision) was relatively straightforward based on talent and health. I felt like he was in a good enough position to help our team and make us better.”

- Jermaine Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

3:15 p.m. - Jays release starting lineup, Bichette back in

The Blue Jays have released their starting lineup. Shortstop Bo Bichette will start at second base.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

2:00 p.m. - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is ‘all grown up’

The Jays shared two images of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on Friday, one from 2002 and the other from Monday night’s ALCS win with the caption: “This little guy plays his first World Series game today.”

Pictures of a young Guerrero Jr. in a Montreal Expos uniform have been trending in recent weeks as the Jays made their push toward the World Series.

Guerrero’s father played eight seasons with the Expos before the team moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

1:30 p.m. - ‘Game 1 is paramount’ for the Blue Jays

MLB Network analyst and former Blue Jay Mark DeRosa said on the MLB Network Friday that “Game 1 is paramount” for Toronto.

“If (Blake) Snell walks on this mound and dominates again and hands the ball to (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto and we get on this plane to LA and they’re down 2-0—we’re not coming back,” DeRosa said.

“But if they can get him off his game…they might have something.”

Snell has a 0.86 ERA heading into Game 1 after three starts in the post-season. He’s pitched 21 innings in October, recording 28 strikeouts and giving up six hits and two runs.

Rookie Trey Yesavage has an ERA of 4.20 after three starts for the Jays. He’s pitched 15 innings, struck out 22 batters, and given up 10 hits and seven runs for a 2-1 record in the post-season.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

1:00 p.m. - ‘We need you guys to be loud’: Jays deliver message to fans before Game 1

The Jays posted a video Friday of some of the team’s stars delivering a message to their fans hours before first pitch.

“We need you guys to be loud, like you’ve been all season,” pitcher Mason Fluharty said in the video, which also features Kevin Gausman, Daulton Varsho, Andrés Giménez and others.

“Bring the energy like we know you can and we’ll do it right,” said pitcher Eric Lauer.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with you guys, if and when we pull this off,” catcher Tyler Heineman added.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

12:45 p.m. - Blue Jays’ Game 2 pitcher to be announced later today

The Toronto Blue Jays are scheduled to reveal who will start Game 2 at 5:15 p.m.

Right-hander Kevin Gausman is expected to get the ball. He last pitched as a reliever in Game 7 on two days’ rest after throwing more than five innings in Game 5.

Jays General Manager Ross Atkins will take questions from reporters at 3:30 p.m., followed by manager John Schneider at 4:45 p.m.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

12:30 p.m. - Toronto Blue Jays drop pics of players with Commissioner’s Trophy

The Toronto Blue Jays post pictures of the team with the Commissioner’s Trophy on Friday.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

12:15 p.m. - National anthem performers confirmed

A local ensemble will join gospel choir Voices of Fire to perform both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems for Game 1, the MLB says.

Voices of fire is also slated to open up the World Series with a performance featuring American singer/producer Pharrell Williams.

For Game 2, the MLB says that American singer Bebe Rexha will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Grammy Award-winning Mississauga artist Alessia Cara will sing “O Canada.”

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

12:00 p.m. - Toronto Blue Jays legends Cito Gaston, Joe Carter to throw out first pitches

The MLB has announced that former Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the World Series.

Joe Carter, the five-time MLB All-Star and two-time World Series Champion, will throw out the pitch for Game 2.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

11:30 a.m. - Game 1 just hours away

10:35 a.m. - Blue Jays reveal World Series roster, Bichette will play

The Toronto Blue Jays have unveiled their World Series roster, and it includes Bo Bichette.

It was unclear if the shortstop would play after he missed the last few weeks of the regular season with a knee sprain. He was also left off the ALDS and ALCS lineups.

Prior to Friday’s announcement, Bichette said he would be “ready” to play in the Fall Classic.

The 27-year-old finished the season with 181 hits, tied for the second-most in baseball.

Ty France has also been added to the lineup.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

10:15 a.m. - Toronto sports teams switch up avatars to support Blue Jays

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Argonauts, and Toronto FC have all tweaked their social media avatars to support the Blue Jays.

The Leafs emblazoned their logo with “Let’s Go Blue Jays,” while the Raptor was seen wearing a Blue Jays jersey.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

10:05 a.m. - You can still get a $6.50 beer at the Rogers Centre during the World Series. Here’s how.

The Toronto Blue Jays tell CTV News that fans can purchase 355 ml cans of Budweiser or Bud Light for $6.49 (plus tax) from sections 142, 242, and 531 during Game 1 and Game 2. The offer will continue should the Jays play in a Game 6 or Game 7 at home.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

10:00 a.m. - Buffalo Bills rooting for Blue Jays

The Buffalo Bills are throwing their support north of the border and wishing the Toronto Blue Jays good luck in the World Series.

Buffalo, N.Y. is home to the Blue Jays Minor League affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

9:50 a.m. - ‘Jays in 6′: Prime Minister Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to reporters before departing for for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN).

“The over-under on my prediction, Jays in 6, is anyone taking the other side of that?” he said with a smile.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

9:30 a.m. - Toronto Zoo animals rally for the Blue Jays

The animals at the Toronto Zoo are ready for Game 1 and showed off their Blue Jays pride in a video posted Friday.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

9:15 a.m. – Metrolinx adds 4 additional trips to help Jays fans get home

To help Jays fans get home Friday and Saturday night, Metrolinx says they will add 4 extra trips departing from Union Station.

The trips are as follows:

• Kitchener Line: Departing from Union Station at 12:35 a.m., making all station stops and arriving at Kitchener GO at 2:27 a.m.
• Barrie Line: Departing from Union Station at 12:30 a.m. making all station stops to Allandale Waterfront GO at 2:13 a.m.
• Stouffville Line: Departing from Union Station at 12:30 a.m. making all station stops to Old Elm GO at 1:42 a.m.
• Milton Line: Departing from Union Station at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday only, making all station stops to Milton GO at 1:30 a.m.

Officials add that Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines will run normally.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

9:10 a.m. - Mayor Olivia Chow makes World Series bet with LA Mayor

Speaking to reporters at City Hall Friday, Mayor Olivia Chow said she’s made a wager with LA Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the World Series.

She said that she and Bass are both cyclists and have agreed that the losing team’s mayor will bike the number of runs the winner scores.

“I am so confident, I said she can do it in kilometres and I’ll do it in miles,” Chow laughed.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

8:30 a.m. - ‘The final chapter begins’

8:15 a.m. - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: World Series predictions

Toronto enters the best-of-seven series as the underdogs and Los Angeles as the favourites.

Here are some predictions from journalists covering the MLB on how they think the series will play out:

The Blue Jays take on the Dodgers in the World Series tonight. Here’s how the experts see the series shaking out

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

8:00 a.m. – Jays fan from Halifax living out of his van near Rogers Centre for World Series

Kyle Knight is originally from Guelph, Ont., but lives in Halifax, and said he and his wife flew into Toronto for Game 1 of the ALDS.

After that series wrapped up, he said he flew back home and returned to Toronto in his van, where he’s been living ever since.

“I live, literally, about 500 metres that way and I haven’t left probably within a kilometre of that stadium in two weeks,” Knight said with a laugh from inside the Rogers Centre on Friday.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:30 a.m. - In Pictures: This is what it was like in Toronto the last time the Blue Jays were in a World Series

In less than 24 hours, nearly 200 fans reached out to CTV News Toronto with photos, ticket stubs, and stories from the Blue Jays last World Series appearances in 1992 and 1993 — some of whom were inside the SkyDome when history was made.

Click here to read more.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:15 a.m. - Niagara Falls goes blue

Niagara Parks, the body that maintains the grounds of Niagara Falls, says the tourist attraction will be lit blue at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday for Game 1 and Game 2 of the World Series.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:30 a.m. – ‘Couldn’t be more excited’: Fan who caught Springer’s Game 7 Dinger

The Blue Jays fan who caught George Springer’s go-ahead, three-tun home run in Game 7 spoke to CP24 Friday morning from Rogers Centre ahead of Game 1.

“I couldn’t be excited for the city, the fans and the prospect of being recognized as the world-class city that we are,” Michael Angeletti said.

Angeletti said he was actually on his phone when he heard the crack of Springer’s bat in the bottom of the seventh inning and quickly put on his glove to make the catch.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:05 a.m. - Former Toronto Blue Jay reflects on his 1993 World Series win

Rob Butler, a Canadian former professional baseball player who won the World Series with the Blue Jays in 1993, spoke to CTV’s Your Morning host Anne-Marie Mediwake Friday about how players are likely preparing for Game 1.

“Oh, the players are definitely in their routines. I mean, they’ve been anticipating this now for a couple days. And, you know, I think it was business as usual all week for them, running through their practices and doing their thing,” he said.

Asked if he has any memories from his 1993 World Series win, Butler said one thing does stand out.

“Well, for me, it was, you know, ‘Do I have my my subway ticket to get down to the Dome?’” Butler recalled.

“You took the subway to the Dome for the World Series?” Mediwake asked.

“Oh yeah. I lived behind Main Subway Station with my parents, as a 23-year-old poor man playing for the Toronto Blue Jays back in the day. It was so easy and convenient,” he said, laughing.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTVNewsToronto.ca digital journalist

7:00 a.m. - The World Series returns to Toronto

6:30 a.m. - Toronto Symphony Orchestra bleeds blue

The Blue Jays released a new ad for the World Series featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performing Queen’s 1989 hit song ‘I Want It All,’ which has become the anthem for the Blue Jays in the postseason.

- Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist

6:15 a.m. - ‘Let’s go boys’: Toronto Police cheer on Jays

6:05 a.m. - Blue Jays viewing parties in the GTA

Blue Jays fans are getting ready to cheer on the club at World Series viewing parties around the GTA. Here is a look at where they are happening.

- Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist

6 a.m. - Blue Jays fans feeling nostalgic

Long-time fans spoke to CP24 to share their memories of the Blue Jays’ last two World Series runs in 1992 and 1993.

- Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist