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World Series Game 6 lessons: Key adjustments the Blue Jays need to make for Game 7
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Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Nick Prasad
Nov 1, 2025, 16:00 EDTUpdated: Nov 1, 2025, 13:51 EDT
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Game 6 of the World Series was decently sound, fundamentally. Based on the nature of the game and what’s at stake, various plays were amplified by being fatal to the game. In tonight’s game 7, it’ll be even more amplified, and some things can’t repeat themselves from last night if the Blue Jays want the World Series trophy. 
There was only one noted “error” on last night’s box score, and that was committed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays were clear on the general fundamentals, but there is some fine-tuning that needs to happen tonight. 

Blue Jays need to generate more run support

One run on eight hits was the final box score statistic for the Blue Jays last night. Yoshinobu Yamamoto did exactly what we knew he would do; he gave up one earned run on five hits, walking one and striking out six. 
Yamamoto only lasted six innings. The Blue Jays had three innings of relief options to play with; they got into the Dodgers’ bullpen as they should have. They recorded three hits on three relievers, walking once, with zero runs. Toronto essentially wasted nine plate appearances with ample opportunities to score. 
In total, the Blue Jays left eight runners on base, and they were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. That being said, there was no small-ball attempt, nor was there probably a good opportunity for it. 
Toronto had multiple opportunities to tie the ball in at minimum; with two runners on base, they had three chances to win the game with a home run. The lack of offence can’t happen, and the failure to drive runs in when the situation is set up is also not going to win a ball game. Home runs haven’t been this team’s bread and butter this season, but they have found ways to collect timely hits, and not many went their way last night. 
Further to that, getting doubled off on a fly-out to end the game is not the right way either. Heads-up base running and understanding the play at hand are pertinent and Barger wasn’t able to scamper back to the base following the flyout.

Missing spots can lead to missing the parade 

Kevin Gausman was phenomenal last night; his pitch arsenal was working, and his sequencing and confidence were present. The only downfall was the Dodgers capitalizing on pitch mistakes and missed spots, which really only came in just one inning for the Jays starter.
Gausman struck out the side in the first inning and cruised until the third inning, where Edman doubled on a four-seam fastball high in the zone. This was not a great spot for that pitch. He eventually scored on a Will Smith double after Shohei Ohtani walked. This was the Dodgers’ first run of the game
Freddie Freeman walked in this inning, loading the bases for Mookie Betts. Keep in mind, Betts has struggled at the plate this postseason, and the splitter has been terrorizing him. Betts had a five-pitch at-bat, given one slider, one splitter, and three four-seam fastballs. Gausman’s fifth pitch caught too much of the plate, placing a four-seam fastball on the inside upper portion of the zone, where Betts pulled it for a two-run single. Betts broke out of a rut at the dish, coming through when the Dodgers needed it. 
These were the only three runs the Dodgers needed to win the game; this all happened in the third inning. 

Free 90s will come back to haunt you

Ohtani was intentionally walked in that third inning; Freeman was later walked. Both of these runners scored on that single, adding to the lead, which ended up in a 3-1 Dodgers win. 
Overall, Gausman pitched a gem, and the game was smooth. When such a loss happens in that capacity, the finer things are magnified. In addition, management of this team and game is crucial, as every pitch counts, every managerial move counts.

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