The Los Angeles Dodgers once again etched their names into baseball lore, playing an unforgettable 18-inning World Series game against the Blue Jays. This epic contest, featuring Freddie Freeman’s dramatic walk-off home run and a historic offensive outburst from Shohei Ohtani, tied the record for the longest World Series game by innings, adding another thrilling chapter to MLB’s storied history of marathon postseason battles.
Game 3 of the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Blue Jays wasn’t just another baseball game; it was an instant classic that transcended the sport. Lasting nearly seven hours and stretching to 18 innings, this titanic struggle tied the record for the longest game in World Series history by innings, delivering a captivating spectacle that fans will discuss for generations to come.
A Marathon for the Ages: The 2025 World Series Game 3
The Dodgers’ 6-5 victory over the Blue Jays in Game 3 saw an astounding 609 pitches thrown by 19 different pitchers. With 37 runners left on base and 25 position players used, it was a battle of attrition that pushed both teams to their limits. This particular 18-inning marathon, lasting six hours and 39 minutes, was tied for the longest game in World Series history by innings, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The hero of this unforgettable classic was none other than reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman. He delivered a spectacular walk-off solo blast, making history as the first player ever to hit multiple World Series walk-off home runs in back-to-back years. As Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz eloquently put it, “One hundred thousand souls will say they saw it live, even though just 52,654 were actually there. You’ll remember it forever. The players will, too.”
Shohei Ohtani’s Unforgettable Performance
Amidst the marathon, Shohei Ohtani delivered a performance that defied belief. The two-way superstar, slated to start Game 4 on the mound, reached base an astounding nine times in Game 3. His final line included an incredible 4-for-4 with two home runs, two doubles, and five walks (four intentional). Ohtani’s two blasts made him the first player ever with three multi-homer games in a single postseason. He also became the first player in playoff history to go 4-for-4 with two homers and two doubles.
His eight home runs this October tied the all-time Dodgers playoff record, and his four extra-base hits in a game tied the Fall Classic record. Freeman, marveling at his teammate, simply stated, “Our starting pitcher tomorrow got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible. We’ve been talking about him since he got here in 2018. We’re still running out of words to describe a once-in-a-10-generational player.”
Echoes of History: The 2018 World Series Marathon
The 2025 epic game wasn’t the Dodgers’ first foray into World Series marathons. Just seven years prior, they were involved in another 18-inning classic in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. That game, held at Dodger Stadium, remains the longest postseason game in MLB history in terms of time, clocking in at seven hours and 20 minutes, as detailed by MLB.com.
Similar to the 2025 contest, the 2018 game also ended with a walk-off home run, this time by Max Muncy, giving the Dodgers a crucial 3-2 victory and cutting their series deficit to 2-1. The game was a true battle of attrition, featuring 18 pitchers and 46 players, both postseason records. The Red Sox almost sealed the game in the 13th, but a critical throwing error by second baseman Ian Kinsler allowed the Dodgers to tie it up, extending the agonizing duel.
Muncy later reflected on the drama, stating, “The feeling was just pure joy and incredible excitement.” Red Sox manager Alex Cora acknowledged, “It was just a bad night. We had some situations that we could have put them away and then we didn’t. And at the end we paid the price,” as reported by AP News. This 2018 game had previously been described as the only World Series game to go 18 innings, highlighting the unique nature of these extended battles.
MLB’s Longest Postseason Games: A Historical Perspective
Marathon games are a rare but thrilling part of baseball’s postseason fabric. While the 2018 and 2025 World Series games stand out, several other contests have pushed the boundaries of endurance:
- 18 Innings, 2022 American League Division Series: Astros 1, Mariners 0
This pitchers’ duel in Seattle resulted in a combined 42 strikeouts. Rookie Jeremy Peña’s go-ahead homer and Luis Garcia’s five scoreless relief innings sealed the Astros’ series-clinching victory.
- 18 Innings, 2014 National League Division Series: Giants 2, Nationals 1
A heartbreaking loss for the Nationals, who held a 1-0 lead into the ninth. Brandon Belt’s homer in the 18th finally broke the tie, propelling the Giants to a World Series championship.
- 18 Innings, 2005 National League Division Series: Astros 7, Braves 6
The Astros, known for long games, came back from a 6-1 deficit in the eighth, capped by Lance Berkman’s grand slam and Brad Ausmus’ ninth-inning homer. Chris Burke’s walk-off in the 18th sent them to the NLCS.
- 16 Innings, 1986 National League Championship Series: Mets 7, Astros 6
For nearly two decades, this game held the record for the longest in postseason history. The Mets rallied twice, including three runs in the 16th, to clinch the series against Houston.
These games are more than just statistics; they are legendary contests that test the limits of physical and mental fortitude, leaving an indelible mark on players and fans alike.
Beyond Baseball: A Look at the 32nd Sports Equinox
While the World Series Game 3 captivated baseball fans, it was also part of the 32nd Sports Equinox, a rare alignment of major sports events. Across the nation, other dramatic contests unfolded, showcasing the breadth of athletic excellence.
NBA Highlights
In the NBA, the undefeated 76ers topped the Magic, 136-124, fueled by Tyrese Maxey’s 43 points and rookie VJ Edgecombe’s 26. Their combined 186 points through three games set a new record for a starting backcourt since 1970.
Other notable performances included Nikola Jokić recording his third straight triple-double to start the year, Lauri Markkanen’s 51-point eruption, and the Spurs improving to an impressive 4-0 record for the first time since 2017. For a complete rundown, fans could check the full scoreboard.
NFL Action
On the gridiron, the Kansas City Chiefs overcame a turnover-heavy first half to beat the Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football. Patrick Mahomes rallied his team with three second-half touchdowns, securing their third straight victory. The Commanders, however, suffered their third consecutive defeat, already matching their loss total from the previous season.
NHL Milestones
On the ice, Sidney Crosby added another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the ninth player in NHL history to record 1,700 career points as the Penguins defeated the Blues 6-3. This historic achievement further solidifies his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
MLS Playoffs Intensity
The MLS Playoffs also delivered their share of drama. No. 4 Minnesota beat No. 5 Seattle in penalties (3-2) after 120 minutes of scoreless action in Game 1 of their best-of-three series. Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, No. 2 Cincinnati edged out No. 7 Columbus 1-0, taking an early lead in their intense “Hell is Real” rivalry series.
The Financial Side of Coaching: College Football Buyouts
The world of college football continues to showcase the immense financial pressures on coaches. This season has seen a record-breaking sum paid out in buyouts, highlighting the “paid not to coach” phenomenon.
The 10 coaches fired so far this season are set to earn approximately $169 million in buyouts, significantly surpassing the previous record of $132 million in 2023. Notably, three of the five largest buyouts in college football history have occurred just this month:
- Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M: $76.8 million (fired in 2023)
- Brian Kelly, LSU: $53.8 million* (October 26)
- James Franklin, Penn State: $49 million (October 12)
- Guz Malzahn, Auburn: $21.4 million (2020)
- Billy Napier, Florida: $21.2 million (October 19)
The pressure to win at the highest levels of college football means programs are quick to part ways with coaches, regardless of the financial cost. As one LSU official told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger after Kelly’s dismissal, “You can always find the money,” underscoring the high-stakes nature of the sport.
Golf Comeback: Yani Tseng’s Return to Glory
In a heartwarming story of perseverance, Taiwan’s Yani Tseng made an incredible return to the winner’s circle. After nearly 12 years, the former world No. 1 claimed victory at the Winstron Ladies Open in her native Taiwan, marking her first professional win since 2014.
Tseng was once the most dominant athlete in her sport, winning 15 times on the LPGA Tour between 2008 and 2012 and becoming the youngest woman ever (at 22) to win five majors. She held the No. 1 ranking for 109 consecutive weeks from 2011-2013. However, a slow decline followed due to injuries and a severe case of the yips in her putting.
In an unorthodox move, her new coach suggested she putt left-handed late last year, and it clicked. “I’m not scared of the five-footers anymore,” Tseng said after her victory, a testament to her unwavering spirit. Her comeback is a powerful reminder to “Never give up on your dreams.”
The Hoosier State’s Sporting Success
For sports fans in Indiana, 2025 has been a year of remarkable achievements across multiple leagues:
- Pacers: Reached their second NBA Finals, pushing the Thunder to a thrilling Game 7.
- Fever: Advanced to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2015, despite Caitlin Clark missing most of the season.
- Colts: Surprised many, starting 7-1 with the NFL’s best offense (33.8 ppg) and a dominant scoring differential (+116).
- Indiana (CFB): Rose to a program-best No. 2 ranking and remain one of six undefeated FBS teams, following their first College Football Playoff appearance last season.
- Notre Dame: Began the year in the CFP title game and are firmly in contention for the 12-team field once again.
Just three years ago, many of these teams were struggling. Their collective turnaround serves as a powerful reminder that fortunes in sports can change rapidly, bringing renewed hope and excitement to dedicated fan bases.
NFL Trivia Answer
With four catches on Monday night, Zach Ertz became the sixth tight end in NFL history with 800 career receptions. The other five legendary tight ends who have achieved this milestone are:
- Tony Gonzalez (1,325 receptions)
- Jason Witten (1,228)
- Travis Kelce (1,041)
- Antonio Gates (955)
- Shannon Sharpe (815)
From historic baseball marathons to incredible individual performances and team comebacks, the world of sports continues to deliver unforgettable moments. These events, whether record-breaking games or personal milestones, remind us why we are passionate about the competitions we follow so closely.
