The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in an 18-inning World Series Game 3, highlighted by Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run and Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting performance, in a marathon contest that etched itself into baseball history.
The echoes of baseball history resonated through Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 27, 2025, as the Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic 18-inning World Series Game 3. This monumental showdown, lasting six hours and 39 minutes, tied the record for the longest World Series game by innings played, a true test of endurance and skill that captivated fans and left players physically and emotionally spent.
Freeman’s Walk-Off: A Defining Moment
The game ultimately ended with a swing of Freddie Freeman’s bat, a solo shot in the bottom of the 18th inning that sent Dodger Stadium into a frenzy. This wasn’t Freeman’s first walk-off heroics in this World Series, making him the first player in history to hit multiple walk-off homers in the Fall Classic. His decisive blast gave the Dodgers a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“It’s one of the greatest World Series games of all time,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, reflecting on the exhausting but exhilarating victory. The win offered more than just a series lead; it provided a surge of momentum and a narrative of resilience that could define the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.
Ohtani’s Unprecedented Performance
While Freeman delivered the final blow, Shohei Ohtani’s performance throughout the marathon game was nothing short of legendary. Despite being intentionally walked four times, Ohtani reached base a staggering nine times, setting a new record for the most times on base in a single MLB postseason game and tying the regular season record. His offensive display included two home runs and two doubles, making him the first player since 1906 to record four extra-base hits in a World Series game, according to Yahoo Sports.
Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement summed up the awe surrounding Ohtani: “You can’t explain it. He’s the best player to ever play this game.” Even Freeman acknowledged, “I hope we don’t lose sight, our starting pitcher got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible.”
A Game of Records and Relentless Play
The 2025 Game 3 not only challenged physical limits but also shattered numerous World Series and postseason records:
- Longest Game (Innings): Tied for the longest World Series game in history with 18 innings. This matches the 2018 World Series Game 3 between the Dodgers and Red Sox, a game won by the Dodgers on a walk-off homer by Max Muncy after 7 hours and 20 minutes, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports. The 2025 contest stands as the second-longest by time.
- Most Pitchers: A combined 19 pitchers were used, 10 by the Dodgers and 9 by the Blue Jays, setting a new postseason record.
- Most Pitches: An astounding 609 pitches were thrown, a new World Series record.
- Most Plate Appearances: A total of 153 plate appearances marked another Fall Classic record.
- Most Runners Stranded: The two teams combined to strand 37 runners on base, the most ever in a postseason game.
- Baserunning Drama: Five outs were recorded on the bases, with four of them ending an inning.
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy perfectly captured the intensity: “We always talk about a regular playoff game is like playing three extra-inning games. And we basically just played a doubleheader back-to-back today.”
Unsung Heroes and Unwavering Determination
Amidst the record-breaking stats, numerous individual stories of perseverance emerged. Will Klein, a 25-year-old journeyman reliever added to the roster at the last minute, pitched four shutout innings to earn the win. “I never dreamed that anything like this would happen,” Klein said of the celebration with his teammates.
Even future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw made a relief appearance in the 12th inning with the bases loaded, the first time he’d ever pitched in an extra-inning game, getting a crucial out that kept the Dodgers alive. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a complete game just two days prior, was seen warming up in the bullpen, ready to contribute if called upon, showcasing the team’s incredible depth and collective will to win.
The 2025 World Series Game 3 will undoubtedly be remembered as an instant classic, a testament to the unpredictable drama and sheer endurance that defines baseball at its highest level. As the Dodgers and Blue Jays prepare for Game 4, the indelible impact of this historic marathon game will fuel both teams, with fans eagerly anticipating what new records and heroic moments might unfold.
