World Series Game 7 Overview

In a tense moment during Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider had a lengthy discussion with home plate umpire Jordan Baker after the first inning. Schneider appeared frustrated that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani was allowed extra time to warm up following his at-bat in the top of the first inning. Ohtani, attempting to be a team player, made a bid to help the Dodgers reclaim their championship status as he both hit and pitched in this crucial game.

Fox broadcaster John Smoltz pointed out that Ohtani’s warm-up took about three minutes, which is significantly longer than the typical 90 seconds given to starting pitchers who don’t bat. While the back-and-forth conversation didn’t escalate, it clearly reflected Schneider’s concerns.

Interestingly, Ohtani made history, becoming the first pitcher since 1975 to record a hit while starting in a Game 7 of the World Series, thus ending a 50-year gap. However, his hit didn’t translate into any runs, allowing the Blue Jays to escape the first inning without conceding.

As the first inning progressed, Ohtani struck out two batters, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and managed to catch George Springer attempting to advance to second base.

Springer looked a bit bewildered as he returned to the dugout, yet the inning came to a close without any further issues. There was a moment when the Blue Jays loaded the bases in the second inning, but Ohtani and the Dodgers managed to avert disaster.