Yamamoto in form as Dodgers top Blue Jays 4-1 to hand Toronto its sixth loss in a row

Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz worked the ninth inning for his fourth save. The Blue Jays put two runners on before pinch-hitter Tyler Heineman struck out to end the game.

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani hit a long single off Kevin Gausman (0-1) in the third inning that brought Kim across. The Dodgers made it 2-0 later in the frame when Alex Freeland scored on a fielder’s choice.

Kim walked in the fifth, moved to second on a balk and scored on a Freeland single. Blue Jays manager John Schneider argued the balk call and was ejected by home-plate umpire Dan Merzel.

Yamamoto was pulled in the seventh inning after putting runners on the corners. The Blue Jays (4-7) loaded the bases but left-hander Alex Vesia escaped by getting two fly-outs and a strikeout.

The Dodgers tacked on an insurance run in the ninth against Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman.

It was Yamamoto’s first appearance at Rogers Centre since earning the win in Game 7 of the World Series last fall.

TAKEAWAYS

Blue Jays: Gausman was held to a single-digit strikeout total for the first time this season. He fanned 11 on opening night and struck out 10 batters in his second start.

Dodgers: Shortstop Miguel Rojas was a late scratch due to a family matter. He was replaced by Kim, who batted eighth in the lineup.

KEY MOMENT

Schneider got his money’s worth after the ejection by really getting in Merzel’s face to vent some frustration.

KEY STAT

Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 42 games, dating back to Aug. 24 last season. It’s the seventh longest streak in Dodger history.

COMING UP

Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (0-0, 2.79 earned-run average) was scheduled to start the series finale Wednesday afternoon against Ohtani (1-0, 0.00).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Yamamoto in form as Dodgers top Blue Jays 4-1 to hand Toronto its sixth loss in a row

What's Trending