World Series Game 6: Dodgers fight to force a decider as Blue Jays eye first title since 1993

The 2025 World Series returns to Toronto tonight with everything on the line: the Blue Jays lead 3–2 and can clinch a long-awaited championship, while the Dodgers must win to push the Fall Classic to a Game 7. First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre (12:00 a.m. GMT).

Game 6 start time, location, and how the stakes set up

• When: Tonight, 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT) / 12:00 a.m. GMT

• Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto

• Series: Blue Jays lead 3–2 (best-of-seven)

Toronto seized control with a pivotal road win to bring the series home needing one more victory. Los Angeles, the defending champion, has been here before—comfortable in elimination scenarios—but arrives with its offense under scrutiny after missed chances with runners in scoring position in recent games.

Probable pitchers: Kevin Gausman vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto

• Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (RHP) — The veteran right-hander’s splitter/slider mix has stabilized Toronto’s rotation. When he’s landing first-pitch strikes, he sets up the splitter as a chase pitch; the Jays will want him deep into the game to shorten the bullpen bridge.

• Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP) — Command, tempo, and the splitter of his own are the keys. Los Angeles trusts his efficiency; if he’s getting soft contact early, the Dodgers can keep high-leverage relievers fresh for the late innings.

Telltales to watch: Early fastball command for both aces, how quickly each establishes the splitter, and whether either dugout forces a mid-game pivot to the pen.

Lineup notes and adjustments

Los Angeles has shuffled pieces to spark production: Shohei Ohtani at DH sets the table for Will Smith and Freddie Freeman, with Mookie Betts sliding into the infield to get another right-handed bat in the outfield mix. Tommy Edman’s versatility in center adds range and switch-hitting balance, while Miguel Rojas offers defense up the middle.

For Toronto, health and length matter. George Springer is expected back atop the order after leaving Game 3 with right-side tightness, giving the Jays an on-base threat in front of their middle-order thump. Toronto’s bench construction also allows late-inning platoon moves if Los Angeles turns to lefty relief.

Keys to Game 6

1. RISP execution: The Dodgers’ margin is thin; they must convert baserunners early to avoid chasing elite late-game arms. Toronto, by contrast, has thrived with two outs—one timely extra-base hit could tilt the night.

2. First-inning nerves: The Rogers Centre atmosphere will be electric. A clean first from Yamamoto and Gausman will settle each side; any early error or walk could snowball.

3. The running game: With both starters heavy on splitters, catchers will be challenged. Expect aggressive leads and hit-and-run looks to disrupt timing.

4. Bullpen matchups: Toronto’s advantage is stacking right-on-right options late; Los Angeles needs length from Yamamoto to avoid exposing a fatigued middle relief tier.

5. Defense under the roof: With the roof likely closed, high flies carry differently. Outfield routes—especially for new alignments—will matter on balls to the gaps.

What a Blue Jays win looks like

Gausman’s strike throwing keeps pitch counts low through six, the Jays strike in the middle innings with a sequence of quality at-bats (walk, opposite-field single, productive out), and the back end slams the door. Springer’s table-setting and one extra-base hit from the heart of the order could be enough with a tidy defensive night.

What a Dodgers win looks like

Yamamoto gets weak contact early, the Dodgers steal a run with aggressive baserunning or a squeeze look, and a reconfigured lineup finally cashes in a multi-run inning. If they reach their preferred late-inning right-handers with a lead, the series likely sees Sunday baseball.

Recent momentum vs. fresh start

The last two games showcased Toronto’s adaptability and a rookie-fueled strikeout surge, but elimination games reset rhythms. Los Angeles has repeatedly extended counts even in outs; if that continues and Gausman’s pitch total climbs before the fifth, the leverage flips. Conversely, if Yamamoto faces the order a third time without damage, Toronto will lean on contact and pressure rather than waiting for the long ball.

X-factors

• Table-setters: Ohtani and Springer. Each controls the tone of the first inning and the number of high-stress pitches the starter must throw.

• Infield defense: Betts at short and Rojas at second must convert everything on the ground; Toronto’s contact profile punishes extra outs.

• Pinch-hit moment: A lefty bat for L.A. versus a power righty could decide the seventh or eighth; Toronto’s counter will be a matchup right-hander with swing-and-miss.

If it goes to Game 7

A Dodgers victory triggers a winner-take-all on Saturday night in Toronto, compressing recovery windows for both pitching staffs. Expect all-hands availability, short leashes, and early pinch-hit chess. If Toronto closes it out tonight, the city’s first baseball parade in three decades begins taking shape.

First pitch: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT / 12:00 a.m. GMT
Series: Toronto leads 3–2 — Blue Jays can clinch tonight; Dodgers must win to force Game 7.