The Toronto Blue Jays were the first team to get to Blake Snell this postseason. They had a clear plan of attack against the Los Angeles Dodgers ace in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The Jays smacked eight hits and got three walks against Snell, who exited with the bases loaded in the sixth inning and the game tied at two. The Blue Jays cashed in on all three runs, plus added six more for a 9-run inning. They went up 11-2 in the game.
What’s interesting is that five of Toronto’s eight hits against Snell came off the southpaw’s changeup. According to Inside Edge, that’s the most hits Snell has allowed off his changeup in a start during his career.
Blake Snell just allowed his 5th hit on a changeup tonight.
— Inside Edge (@IE_MLB) October 25, 2025
That is the most hits he's allowed on his changeup in a start in his career.#WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/pu1J89QzWF
Snell throws his changeup frequently, and it often generates plenty of swings and misses. He had great success with it during the playoffs against the Phillies.
Through six innings, the changeup is Blake Snell’s most frequently used pitch (28, or 36% of the time). It’s generated 12 whiffs on 18 swings. https://t.co/2xlYcYiG04 pic.twitter.com/X8wM3RMwFV
— Positive Residual (@presidual) October 14, 2025
Toronto could have had a plan that recommended its hitters lay off the changeup. Instead, it seems like their plan was to attack Snell’s changeup. They ended up with the most success against the two-time Cy Young Award winnner’s changeup that any team has ever had.
As if getting to Snell wasn’t enough, the Blue Jays added a pinch-hit grand slam by Addison Barger off Anthony Banda. They also smacked a two-run home run off Banda by Alejandro Kirk.
