Dodgers Prevail in Marathon Game 3, Take 2-1 Series Lead
In a World Series classic that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 in an epic 18-inning Game 3. The dramatic victory at Dodger Stadium gives Los Angeles a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, setting the stage for an intense continuation.
The contest, which lasted an astounding 6 hours and 39 minutes, tied the record for the longest World Series game by innings, matching Game 3 of the 2018 Fall Classic, also played at Dodger Stadium between the Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts unequivocally called it "one of the greatest World Series games of all time."
Freeman’s Walk-Off Seals the Deal
The marathon finally concluded in the bottom of the 18th inning when Freddie Freeman launched a walk-off solo home run off Blue Jays lefty Brendon Little. This marked Freeman’s second career walk-off homer in the World Series, making him the first player in history to achieve this remarkable feat. His previous heroics included a game-ending grand slam in Game 1 of last year’s World Series.
Ohtani’s Unprecedented Performance
While Freeman delivered the decisive blow, the night belonged in large part to Shohei Ohtani, who delivered a performance for the ages. The two-way superstar reached base an incredible nine times, setting a new postseason record. His offensive onslaught included two home runs and two doubles, tying a World Series record for four extra-base hits in a single game, a mark previously set in 1906 by Frank Isbell of the Chicago White Sox.
After Ohtani’s second homer of the night tied the game at 5-5 in the seventh inning, the Blue Jays opted to intentionally walk him in his next four plate appearances, and he drew an unintentional walk in another, effectively taking the bat out of his hands. Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged the strategy, stating, "You just gotta take the bat out of his hands."
A Grueling Battle of Attrition
The game was a true test of endurance for both teams. The Dodgers set a new World Series record by utilizing 10 pitchers, including a crucial relief appearance from future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw in the 12th inning to escape a bases-loaded jam. The unsung hero of the bullpen was rookie Will Klein, who delivered four scoreless innings, throwing 72 pitches—double his previous big-league career high—to earn the win.
The Blue Jays also dug deep into their pitching staff, using nine pitchers. Both offenses struggled to capitalize on opportunities, combining to strand a World Series record 37 runners (Blue Jays 19, Dodgers 18). Toronto’s challenges were compounded by an injury to ALCS hero George Springer, who exited the game in the seventh inning with right side discomfort.
Early in the game, the Dodgers jumped to a 2-0 lead with solo shots from Teoscar Hernández and Ohtani. The Blue Jays roared back in the fourth, taking a 4-2 lead, highlighted by Alejandro Kirk’s three-run blast. A key moment in this rally was an error by Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman. Edman, who had been dealing with a recurring right ankle sprain earlier in the season, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, also contributed to a spectacular relay play later in the game.
The Dodgers tied the game at 4-4 in the fifth with an RBI double from Ohtani and an RBI single from Freeman, only for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to give Toronto a brief 5-4 lead in the seventh before Ohtani’s second homer re-tied it.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Despite the physical and emotional toll of the marathon game, Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 4 on Tuesday night, facing Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber. The quick turnaround will test the depth and resilience of both teams as the Dodgers look to extend their series lead and the Blue Jays aim to even the score.
