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Kevin Gausman was absolutely brilliant for most of his outing on Saturday night. After allowing a first-inning run, Gausman retired 17 straight Los Angeles Dodgers hitters, befuddling one of the most talented lineups in the history of the sport. But with a chance to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, Gausman’s Blue Jays couldn’t generate much offense of their own against Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. That left Gausman trying to preserve a tie in the top of the seventh inning, and unfortunately for Toronto, the hitless streak ended at the worst possible time. TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 25: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after giving up a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game two of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 25, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) Gausman allowed a solo home run to Dodgers catcher Will Smith, and two batters later, he got clipped by third baseman Max Muncy. One run felt like a tough deficit to erase with Yamamoto pitching the way he was, but two runs felt nearly insurmountable. That’s why Gausman was contrite despite a mostly fantastic effort. “I could have pitched better and, obviously, the guy on the other side did,” Gausman said, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. A 13-year veteran who came into the season without a playoff win to his name, Gausman has been a vital part of the Blue Jays’ deep run to this point. But the margin for error is so slim, especially against a team like the Dodgers, that any slip-up can result in a loss, and two slip-ups almost seal it. Still, Gausman was grateful for the opportunity to perform in front of a raucous crowd at the Rogers Centre, and knows this fight is far from finished. “It was a lot of fun, for sure. My first World Series at 34, so it was fun,” Gausman said, per Matheson. “It was electric out there. I wish I would have thrown up a zero in the first, for sure, but I got out of it and got on a roll. This is a fun place to pitch. The fans definitely let me know before the game how excited they were. Now, we go to L.A.”” The series now shifts to Los Angeles, and Gausman hopes his team can seize control, allowing him to rest up as normal and then pitch a Game 6 at home if the series isn’t yet clinched. More MLB: Blue Jays Tabbed ‘Best Fit’ for Phillies All-Star Amid World Series Run
