The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered an unforgettable performance, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 in a thrilling 18-inning marathon during Game 3 of the World Series. Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run secured the victory, giving the Dodgers a two-games-to-one lead and echoing their legendary 2018 18-inning Game 3 win. The game featured historic feats by Shohei Ohtani, heroic bullpen efforts, and nearly seven hours of intense baseball, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The World Series once again proved it could deliver epic, late-night drama, with the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging victorious in an 18-inning battle against the Toronto Blue Jays. Dubbed ‘The Late, Late Sho,’ this monumental 6-5 win on Monday night, October 27, 2025, felt like a sequel to a classic, specifically their own 18-inning triumph seven years and one day prior against the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 World Series. This latest victory hands the Dodgers a crucial two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven championship.
Ohtani’s Historic Multidimensional Performance
In a night filled with astounding individual efforts, Shohei Ohtani once again redefined what is possible in baseball. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Ohtani delivered what amounted to a double game at the plate, hitting two home runs and two doubles. This marked the first time a player recorded four extra-base hits in a World Series game since Frank Isbell in 1906. His extraordinary offensive output kept the Dodgers in the fight during the extended innings, as highlighted by AP News.
Beyond his power, Ohtani displayed incredible plate discipline and strategic importance, walking five times—four of them intentionally. Remarkably, three of these intentional walks came with no one on base, a testament to the fear he instilled in the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. He tied the record for reaching base nine times in a single game. Despite suffering a leg cramp while caught stealing in the ninth inning, Ohtani remained in the game, showcasing his unparalleled resilience. Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw marveled, commenting on Ohtani’s anticipated pitching duties: “And he’s got to pitch in like, I don’t know, 12 hours, 13 hours.”
His performance sparked intense debate and admiration within the fan community, with many questioning the intentional walks strategy and marveling at his sheer determination to stay in the game despite injury, knowing he had to pitch soon.
The details of Ohtani’s record-setting night are further elaborated by AP News, emphasizing the historical significance of his four extra-base hits.
A Test of Endurance: The Numbers Behind the Marathon
This 18-inning spectacle was a true test of endurance for everyone involved. Lasting 6 hours and 39 minutes, the game saw an astonishing 609 pitches thrown by a combined 19 pitchers. In total, 44 players appeared, pushing the limits of roster depth and physical stamina. The Dodgers outhit the Blue Jays 16-15, but neither team could break the deadlock for an extended period.
A unique facet of the game was a 10-inning double shutout, where no runs were scored from the eighth through the 17th innings. Both teams struggled with runners in scoring position, with Los Angeles going 2 for 14 and stranding 18 runners, while Toronto was 2 for 12 and left 19 on base. These statistics underscore the tension and difficulty of breaking through in high-pressure situations.
Beyond the offensive and pitching numbers, the game was peppered with incredible defensive plays that kept both sides alive:
- Addison Barger (Blue Jays right fielder) cut down Freddie Freeman at the plate with a 98.5 mph missile.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays first baseman) threw out Teoscar Hernández at third with an 87.6 mph rocket.
- Tommy Edman (Dodgers second baseman) gunned down Isiah Kiner-Falefa from short right field.
- Teoscar Hernández relayed to Tommy Edman to throw out Davis Schneider at the plate.
“Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy game,” remarked Toronto starter Max Scherzer, perfectly encapsulating the chaotic brilliance on display.
Bullpen Heroes and the ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality
The extended innings demanded unprecedented contributions from the bullpen, and the Dodgers delivered, setting a series record by utilizing 10 pitchers. This “bullpen life” showcased the depth and resilience of the squad.
Kershaw’s Uncharted Territory
Veteran ace Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner planning to retire after the series, found himself in an unfamiliar role. He emerged from the bullpen to the tune of Fun’s “We Are Young” in the 12th inning with the bases loaded. What he believed was his first extra-innings bullpen outing at any level, Kershaw demonstrated his competitive fire. He famously quipped, “I throw gas now,” after delivering a 91.9 mph pitch, his fastest since July 31, 2024. Kershaw also paid tribute to teammate Alex Vesia, who was missing the series due to a “deeply personal family matter,” by wearing “51” on his cap.
Rookie Will Klein’s Breakthrough Performance
The unlikeliest hero was rookie Will Klein, who secured the win after delivering four scoreless innings, throwing 72 pitches—both double his previous major league highs. His composure under pressure was evident when he stranded runners at second and third in the top of the 18th by striking out Tyler Heineman. Klein’s self-reliance was key: “There were times when you’re starting to feel down… and you just got to be like, well, who else is going to come save me? So I had to dig deep, do it myself.”
Yamamoto and Rojas: Ready in the Wings
The team’s “all hands on deck” mentality was further exemplified by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Game 1 starter. Just two days after throwing 105 pitches in his second consecutive complete game win, Yamamoto volunteered to relieve and was warming up for the 18th inning. Manager Dave Roberts affirmed, “He would have gone as long as we needed. He would have been the last guy.” Even second baseman Miguel Rojas, who made four mop-up pitching appearances during the season, prepared to pitch if needed, highlighting the extraordinary measures the team was willing to take.
Echoes of 2018: A Familiar Marathon
The most striking historical parallel was the Dodgers’ identical 18-inning Game 3 victory in the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. That game, also won by a walk-off homer from Max Muncy, solidified its place in Dodgers lore. Muncy himself reflected on the current win, stating, “It takes everybody to win a World Series,” a sentiment that resonates deeply after such a grueling contest. The details of that memorable 2018 matchup were extensively covered by the Associated Press at the time.
For fans, these marathon wins aren’t just about the final score; they become part of the team’s identity, symbolizing resilience and a never-say-die attitude. The back-to-back 18-inning Game 3 victories against different opponents, exactly seven years and one day apart, fuels a unique narrative of destiny and dramatic flair for the franchise.
The Fan Experience: Superstitions, Stamina, and Series Impact
Within the fan community, such games are legendary. The emotional rollercoaster, from the tension of 10 scoreless extra innings to the sudden explosion of a walk-off homer, is unparalleled. Discussions would inevitably swirl around:
- Superstitious Rituals: Rookie reliever Justin Wrobleski, who had his innings disappear from the scoreboard, humorously recounted his “wardrobe changes” – switching sweatshirts and shoes – in an attempt to spark a victory, a relatable fan superstition brought to life by the players themselves.
- Player Stamina and Recovery: The physical toll on players, especially Shohei Ohtani with his impending pitching duties, would be a major talking point.
- Bullpen Depth: The unheralded performances of rookies like Will Klein and the willingness of frontline starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto to pitch out of the bullpen highlight the crucial importance of a deep and committed pitching staff.
- Impact on the Series: While the win gives the Dodgers momentum, the sheer length of the game and the number of pitchers used raise questions about potential fatigue in subsequent games.
The “Late, Late Sho” will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in this World Series, not just for the win, but for the sheer will, strategy, and individual brilliance that unfolded over nearly seven hours of gripping baseball.
