Blue Jays’ Addison Barger Caught in Controversial Ground-Rule Double as Dodgers Force Game 7

Addison Barger has been one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ most consistent contributors this postseason, and Game 6 of the World Series seemed poised to deliver another highlight for the breakout outfielder. Entering Friday night’s contest, Barger carried a remarkable 1.009 OPS and had already scored a run to give Toronto early momentum against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Then came the ninth inning — and a moment that could have swung the game. With a runner on and no outs, Barger launched a deep fly ball to left field that looked destined either to tie the game or put runners on second and third. Instead, fate — and the rulebook — intervened.

The ball landed just short of clearing the wall, then wedged beneath the padding on the outfield fence. The Dodgers immediately signaled for a dead ball, and the umpires ruled it a ground-rule double — a correct call under MLB rules, but a devastating one for Toronto. Lead runner Myles Straw, who had already rounded third, was sent back, stopping what might have been a game-changing sequence.

It was a moment of heartbreak and confusion for Blue Jays fans, whose team saw its last rally cut short by an odd twist of luck and circumstance. For Barger, the play was emblematic of a postseason filled with both brilliance and hard lessons.

1. Social Media Outrage as Fans Debate Controversial Call

Almost instantly, social media erupted with reactions to the bizarre play. Many Blue Jays fans questioned why the umpires had ruled the ball dead when it appeared still playable, while others vented frustration over what they perceived as another break going the Dodgers’ way. “Was able to get the ball out just fine after he stopped waving his hands,” wrote one fan on X. Another added, “The luck that Dodgers have had is crazy. Even God wants them to win. Nothing to do when God isn’t on your side I guess…” Some fans proposed rule changes to prevent similar incidents. “Why not just have the bottom of the wall be a strip of plastic or something with no give so balls don’t get lodged?” one post suggested. Another fan argued the ball should have remained live, saying, “He played the ball while Barger was still running… the umpires just saved LA.” Despite the outcry, Major League Baseball’s rulebook clearly supports the ruling: any batted ball that becomes lodged or stuck in padding is immediately ruled a ground-rule double. The decision was correct — even if it was the last thing Toronto wanted to hear in a must-win situation.

2. Missed Chances Continue to Haunt Toronto

The Blue Jays’ frustrations in Game 6 weren’t limited to one unlucky bounce. Much like earlier in the series, Toronto again failed to capitalize on opportunities at the plate and on the bases. In Game 3, aggressive baserunning proved costly as Los Angeles punished mistakes with sharp defensive plays. Friday night brought similar heartbreaks. Following the ground-rule double, Toronto’s hopes of a comeback dwindled. Barger later found himself caught off second base on a sharp throw from Kike Hernández to Miguel Rojas, ending the Blue Jays’ last chance to rally. It was a deflating sequence that underscored the team’s recurring struggles with late-game execution. For Barger, who has been one of Toronto’s most dynamic postseason performers, the ending was particularly cruel. A player who had been a spark plug throughout October suddenly found himself the center of an unfortunate — if perfectly legal — ruling that shifted the game’s narrative. Still, his teammates were quick to offer support. Veterans in the clubhouse emphasized the need to move on, reminding the 25-year-old that the series wasn’t over yet. Game 7 looms, and Toronto’s young star will have another chance to make an impact.

3. Blue Jays Look to Regroup Ahead of Game 7

As Toronto turns the page to Saturday night’s winner-take-all finale, the focus now shifts to resilience. Despite the heartbreak of Game 6, the Blue Jays have remained competitive in every contest of this tightly contested series. Manager John Schneider faces the challenge of keeping his team composed after a frustrating loss defined by what-ifs. Barger’s misfortune serves as a reminder of baseball’s unpredictable nature — where one inch or one bounce can define a championship. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will enter Game 7 with renewed confidence after staving off elimination. Los Angeles’ pitching staff delivered under pressure, and a few fortunate breaks helped them extend their season. For the Blue Jays, redemption remains within reach. Their season — and perhaps Barger’s chance to rewrite his story — now depends on one game in front of a home crowd desperate to see history made.