In a thrilling showdown, the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied past the Toronto Blue Jays with a final score of 5-4 in 11 innings on Saturday night. This game is now etched in history as one of the most remarkable Game 7s in World Series history. Overcoming early deficits of 3-0 and 4-2, the Dodgers became the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win back-to-back championships, solidifying their status in baseball lore.
The game featured several pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here are the highlights from this unforgettable contest:
Toronto’s Bo Bichette kicked off the scoring with a powerful home run against Shohei Ohtani, giving the Blue Jays an early 3-0 lead. This marked Bichette's first homer since September 2, following a left knee injury that sidelined him until the World Series. Although Ohtani reached speeds of 100.9 mph with his fastball, his command faltered as the game progressed, leading to his exit in the third inning after allowing Bichette’s homer, his last pitch of the night.
In the fourth inning, tensions escalated when Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski hit Andrés Giménez with a pitch. This incident prompted both benches and bullpens to clear. Wrobleski had previously thrown high fastballs to Giménez, and his wild pitch ignited a brief confrontation. After a four-minute delay, umpires issued warnings to both teams, allowing the game to resume.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers found themselves trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning. Max Muncy hit a solo homer, setting the stage for Miguel Rojas to deliver a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, marking a historic moment as it was the first tying homer in the ninth inning or later of a World Series Game 7.
The tension continued in the bottom of the ninth when the Blue Jays loaded the bases against Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite the pressure, the Dodgers managed to escape thanks to a series of defensive plays, including a close force out at home plate by Will Smith and a spectacular catch from center fielder Andy Pages.
In the 10th inning, the Dodgers loaded the bases again, but Blue Jays pitcher Seranthony Domínguez was able to navigate out of the jam. Giménez showcased his skills by throwing out Mookie Betts at home plate, and Guerrero executed a close play at first base to end the threat.
As the game extended into the 11th inning, Will Smith made history by hitting a solo homer, marking the first extra-inning home run in a World Series Game 7. His impressive performance not only gave the Dodgers their first lead of the night but also set a record for the most innings caught in a single World Series with 74.
In the bottom of the 11th, the Blue Jays fought back with a double from Guerrero and a walk from Addison Barger. However, Yamamoto showcased his skills by inducing a game-ending double play, securing the Dodgers’ second consecutive title and earning himself the World Series MVP award.
This Game 7 was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Los Angeles Dodgers as they etched their names in baseball history with a thrilling victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
