TORONTO (AFP) — Addison Barger blasted a towering grand slam as the Toronto Blue Jays thrashed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 to take a 1-0 lead in Major League Baseball’s World Series on Saturday (Manila time).

Barger’s 413-foot blast to center field at Toronto’s Rogers Centre was the highlight of a spectacular nine-run sixth inning by the Blue Jays, playing in their first World Series in 32 years.

“It was just like a blackout moment, just crazy,” an elated Barger said of his grand slam after the win. 

“We have such a tight energetic group, and we’re having fun out there. We’re not taking it too serious. We understand we’re playing the Dodgers — but we’re trying to keep everything the same and just go out and compete.” 

The win gives Toronto a precious early lead in the best-of-seven series, and they will look to double their advantage with victory in game two in Toronto on Saturday.

The Dodgers, bidding to become the first team in a quarter of a century to win back-to-back World Series, had made a smooth start, with Enrique Hernandez and Will Smith driving in early runs off Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage to open up a 2-0 lead.

But the star-studded champions — the most expensively assembled team in baseball — were unable to build on their early lead despite getting the better of Yesavage.

Instead, it was Toronto — which has now won 50 games this season after trailing — which wrestled its way back into contention with Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell unable to produce his most dominant form from the mound.

Toronto drew level in the fourth inning after catcher Alejandro Kirk singled into right field to get on base, and when Daulton Varsho crushed a 423-foot shot to center-field, the game was tied.