UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have made history in the World Series opener, overwhelming the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers with an emphatic 11-4 victory. Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, leading a stunning nine-run sixth inning that stunned the crowd at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. This marks the first time the Fall Classic has returned to Toronto since 1993, when the Blue Jays clinched the title.
The Blue Jays initially trailed 2-0 before Daulton Varsho ignited the comeback with a two-run homer against Dodgers’ pitcher Blake Snell in the fourth inning. Alejandro Kirk also contributed with a two-run blast during the explosive sixth, solidifying Toronto’s dominance. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani hit his first Series home run for the Dodgers, who are aiming for a repeat championship, a feat last accomplished by the New York Yankees from 1998-2000.
In other urgent sports news, the Baltimore Ravens have officially ruled out quarterback Lamar Jackson for their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. This will mark Jackson’s third consecutive game missed. The Ravens downgraded him after initially listing him as a full participant in practice, indicating ongoing concerns about his recovery.
In more NFL updates, the New York Jets have announced that Justin Fields will start as quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. Tyrod Taylor has been ruled out with a knee injury and will not travel with the team. Fields steps into the role as the Jets continue to search for their first win of the season, currently holding a record of 0-7.
In the NBA, Commissioner Adam Silver expressed deep concern over the recent gambling arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. The league is grappling with the fallout from these indictments, which could overshadow the excitement of the season’s opening week. Billups faces charges related to rigged poker games, while Rozier is accused of conspiring to manipulate bets based on his performance. Both have been placed on leave indefinitely.
In skiing, Mikaela Shiffrin took a monumental step forward by finishing fourth in the World Cup opener in Sölden, Austria. After a challenging recovery from a significant injury last year, Shiffrin expressed elation at her performance, marking her best result in giant slalom in 21 months.
As for college football, Week 9 promises to be pivotal with three ranked matchups in the Southeastern Conference, including No. 8 Ole Miss facing No. 13 Oklahoma. These games will have significant implications for the College Football Playoff race.
Finally, the Mexican Grand Prix is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend with a sold-out crowd despite concerns surrounding the absence of local star Sergio Perez. Approximately 150,000 fans are expected at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, as Max Verstappen continues to close the gap in the driver championship race against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop.
