Dodgers Triumph: Freddie Freeman’s Walk-Off Home Run Secures Victory in World Series Game 3
LOS ANGELES — In a thrilling showcase, the Los Angeles Dodgers battled the Toronto Blue Jays in one of the longest games in World Series history, ending in a dramatic 6-5 victory thanks to Freddie Freeman’s unforgettable walk-off homer in the 18th inning.
Historic Game Tied for Longest World Series Match
The contest at Chavez Ravine captivated fans, lasting 6 hours and 39 minutes and matching the record set by the 2018 matchup between the Dodgers and Red Sox. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hailed it as “one of the greatest World Series games of all time.” With this victory, the Dodgers now lead the series 2-1, inching closer to becoming MLB’s first repeat champions since the Yankees achieved three straight titles from 1998 to 2000.
Key Highlights
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Freddie Freeman’s Walk-Off Homer
- The standout player in Game 3, Freeman smashed his walk-off home run against Brendon Little, marking his second walk-off in World Series history. This victory brought back memories of his memorable grand slam against the Yankees in the 2024 World Series. “It’s kind of amazing, crazy, and I am just glad we won,” Freeman reflected after the game.
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Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Night
- Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani reached base nine times—a postseason record—while hitting two homers and doubling twice. His five intentional walks came after an impressive 4-for-4 start, making him only the third player in history to reach such a milestone in any game.
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Pitching and Defense
- Will Klein, the Dodgers’ 10th pitcher of the night, displayed resilience with four scoreless innings. If the game continued into the 19th inning, Roberts planned to bring in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had just pitched a complete game.
- Clayton Kershaw’s Return
- Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw entered in the 12th inning, securing the final out with a groundout to help maintain the Dodgers’ chance for victory in a game that featured 31 hits and 37 runners left on base.
Game Flow: A Roller Coaster of Emotions
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Early Action
- Teoscar Hernández opened the scoring for the Blue Jays with a solo homer, followed by Ohtani extending the Dodgers’ lead with his homer in the third inning.
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The Blue Jays Surge
- Alejandro Kirk’s three-run homer shifted the momentum to the Blue Jays, giving them a 4-2 lead. However, Freeman and Ohtani rallied the Dodgers to tie it up shortly after.
- Back-and-Forth Climax
- Bo Bichette knocked in a run, returning the Blue Jays to a 5-4 advantage, but Ohtani’s timely homer tied the game again, paving the way for Freeman’s late-game heroics.
Notable Stat Lines
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Freddie Freeman
- Two-game-winning walks, on top of critical late-game hits.
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Shohei Ohtani
- Two homers, five intentional walks, and reaching base nine times, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ offensive prowess.
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Max Scherzer
- Allowed three earned runs with five hits over 4.1 innings, facing a formidable Blue Jays lineup.
- Blue Jays Highlights
- Teoscar Hernández and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were key contributors, with Guerrero scoring the go-ahead run.
Final Thoughts
This epic Game 3 exemplified not only the intensity of the World Series but also the sheer talent and determination displayed by both teams. Blue Jays manager John Schneider emphasized that while the Dodgers secured a game victory, the series is far from over. As the Dodgers prepare for Game 4, the anticipation is palpable.
For more information about MLB postseason statistics and historical context, visit MLB’s official site.
Looking Ahead: Game 4
As anticipation builds for Game 4, the Dodgers will look to capitalize on their momentum while the Blue Jays aim to bounce back. Ohtani, slated to pitch in the next game, will be a critical factor in the Dodgers’ pursuit of championship glory. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this thrilling World Series showdown.
