Toronto fans are in disbelief after the Blue Jays dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1 of the World Series Friday.
Toronto’s bats came alive and fans across the city sighed in relief as Addison Barger smashed a grand slam inside a sold out Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays fan Jon Williams, who was at the watch party at Nathan Phillips Square, said he was in “awe” immediately after the game.
“I’m not religious, but it felt like that was God’s work right there,” he said.
Mike Tyas opted to watch the game at a local bar. He said the outcome was unbelievable.
“I can’t believe it, first time in my life they’ve been there,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
It’s been 32 years since the Jays played in a World Series.
Kim Kayan has lived in London, U.K., for that same amount of time, but came back just to watch the big game unfold.
“We’re jet-lagged but we’re here,” she said. “I was 12-years-old in [1993] and our daughter is now 12 so we wanted to bring her back here and experience just like we did.”
Some fans also took to social media to share their disbelief about Game 1.
But others are feeling a bit more hesitant about the entire ordeal.
It was a night of many firsts — Barger’s performance in the bottom of the sixth inning was the first pinch hit grand slam in a World Series game and Alejandro Kirk became the first Mexican-born player to hit a home run in the fall classic.
One fan, who definitely didn’t mind having to get another drink, caught Kirk’s home run ball in his beer.
Drake opted to watch the Blue Jays over the Raptors Home Opener Friday night, despite being the Raptors ambassador, sporting what looked like a replica or the real late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s Don Bosco Eagles jacket and a bedazzled CN Tower chain.
The Toronto-born musician was likely just trying to enjoy his 39th birthday, but Blue Jays fans immediately feared the worst.
Drake infamously bet $1 million on the Maple Leafs during the NHL playoffs earlier this year. The Toronto team crashed out in Game 7 of the semifinal series against the Florida Panthers.
That’s just the most recent iteration of the Drake curse that had Blue Jays fans apprehensive ahead of Game 1 of the World Series.
But Friday night also showcased just how fierce Canadians can be, despite their well-meaning nature.
Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani managed to launch a two-run home run in the seventh inning.
But in the end, the game was such a blowout that Blue Jays fans began chanting “we don’t need you” at Ohtani, who famously spurned Toronto in free agency two years ago.
Toronto police said officers made three arrests around the Rogers Centre.
One man in his 40s was charged with mischief and possession of a weapon after allegedly trying to enter the stadium, police told CBC.
A second person was arrested for public intoxication and a third person is facing drone-related charges, police said.
Police added there were no injuries reported last night.
The Blue Jays are set to face off against the Dodgers once again Saturday night at the Rogers Centre for Game 2 of the World Series.
Some people will be lucky enough to see it all play out, after Rogers Communications surprised fans with 500 free tickets to Game 2 of the World Series.
According to a news release Saturday, Rogers scoured watch parties across the Greater Toronto Area for the surprise giveaway.
The University of Toronto’s baseball team, who were watching the game at King’s College Circle, were among the fortunate fans who received tickets, Rogers said.