The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series title in a breathtaking Game 7, played in the early hours of Sunday morning. This victory came at the expense of the Toronto Blue Jays, who were left yearning for their first championship in 32 years. The game, filled with tension and drama, concluded with a 5-4 scoreline, showcasing the resilience of the Dodgers in an epic showdown.
In a pivotal moment, Will Smith launched a solo home run with two outs in the top of the 11th inning, hitting a pitch from Shane Bieber. This electrifying play gave the Dodgers a crucial 5-4 lead, setting the stage for their triumph. Relief pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had pitched just a day prior, ended the game by forcing Alejandro Kirk into a double play, sealing the Dodgers’ victory and securing their ninth World Series title.
"Man, they’re a special group of guys," Smith reflected after the game. "We just never gave up, kept fighting, pitching our asses off, hitting, taking great at-bats. Finally punched through there. Man, that was a fight for seven games. That’s a really good Toronto Blue Jays team. I’m just excited. There’s nothing better than this."
Despite being heavy favorites in the Fall Classic, the Dodgers managed a narrow victory, largely due to their struggling offense, which mustered only 17 runs throughout the series. Much of their success can be attributed to the outstanding performance of Yamamoto, whose contributions proved invaluable. The Dodgers’ high-profile roster, valued at $400 million, ultimately delivered the championship they sought, leaving Blue Jays fans to ponder what might have been.
As the Blue Jays were just two outs away from clinching the title, the loss became all the more painful. The dramatic ninth inning encapsulated the agony and ecstasy of baseball. With the Jays leading 4-3, Dodgers’ No. 9 hitter Miguel Rojas delivered a game-tying home run against Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, leveling the score at 4-4. "I was never trying to hit a home run," Rojas admitted. "This is the first home run against a right-handed pitcher during the whole year, and it came in the biggest part of my life and my career … I can’t really describe right now the emotions that I feel."
The bottom of the ninth inning saw the Jays nearly snatch victory. With the bases loaded and one out, Yamamoto hit Alejandro Kirk, raising tensions. Rojas then executed a crucial play, forcing out Isiah Kiner-Falefa at home plate after a review confirmed the out call. On the very next play, Ernie Clement’s deep hit to left-field was saved by Andy Pages, who made a stunning catch despite colliding with teammate Kiké Hernandez, sending the game into extra innings.
"Yamamoto was the MVP of this series. That was incredible," Smith praised. "I talked to him yesterday. I was like, ‘Hey, if you can give us one, we’re going to win.’ He gave us three. That was special."
Toronto's thrilling postseason journey concluded in heartache, marking the end of a dream season. After a year of frustration among fans demanding changes, the Blue Jays reached the 11th inning of the World Series without key players like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, both of whom signed with the Dodgers. The Jays' season was buoyed by the re-signing of star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but it ultimately fell short against the formidable Dodgers.
In the early stages of the game, the Dodgers faced significant challenges, falling behind 3-0 after Bo Bichette's three-run home run. However, the team's determination shone through, with Max Scherzer and the Dodgers’ bullpen maintaining pressure on the Jays. Despite the struggles, Muncy’s solo home run in the eighth inning narrowed the gap, leading to Rojas's critical tying shot that sent the game into extra innings.
The Blue Jays’ inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately proved detrimental, as they went just 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position. The Dodgers, fortified by their relievers, held their ground, ensuring their victory in this tightly contested series.
The 2025 World Series will be remembered not just for the Dodgers' triumph, but also for the heart and determination displayed by both teams, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.
