As the World Series returns to Los Angeles tied 1-1, all eyes are on Toronto Blue Jays ace Max Scherzer, who is set to make history as the first pitcher to appear in a World Series for four different teams. This pivotal Game 3 clash against the Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring a formidable Tyler Glasnow, promises to be a battle of strategic pitching, high-stakes offense, and a defining moment in baseball lore.
The World Series has returned to Los Angeles, reigniting a thrilling best-of-seven matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, currently deadlocked at one game apiece. For the Blue Jays, it marks a highly anticipated return to Canada after a 32-year wait, while for the Dodgers, the memory of last year’s series in their home city remains fresh.
Game 3, scheduled for Monday night, is more than just an opportunity for either team to gain the upper hand. It’s a stage set for history, particularly for Toronto’s starting right-hander, Max Scherzer, and a testament to the Dodgers’ consistent pitching dominance.
Max Scherzer: Chasing Unprecedented World Series History
All eyes will be on Max Scherzer as he takes the mound for the Blue Jays. The veteran right-hander is poised to etch his name into baseball history by becoming the first pitcher ever to appear in the World Series for four different teams. His storied career already includes World Series appearances with the Detroit Tigers (2012), Washington Nationals (2019), and Texas Rangers (2023).
Scherzer, a fierce competitor, is not just chasing a record; he’s aiming for his third career title. His path to this moment has been a testament to his resilience. After a challenging regular season where he posted a 1-3 record with a 9.00 ERA over his last six starts, Scherzer delivered a strong 5 2/3-inning performance in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, helping the Blue Jays overcome the Seattle Mariners.
Speaking on the significance of the moment, Scherzer remarked, “This is what you play for, to be able to get to this spot, to get to this moment, to have a shot at it. Just so fortunate to have another crack at this. There’s so many great players that have never gotten to a World Series.” His postseason record against the Dodgers stands at 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four appearances (three starts).
Interestingly, Scherzer has a personal history with the Dodgers, having pitched for them in 2021. That season concluded with Los Angeles falling to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, a series where Scherzer was famously scratched from a decisive Game 6 start due to his arm feeling “locked up.” His return to Dodger Stadium in a World Series uniform adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. For a comprehensive look at Scherzer’s illustrious career and World Series history, fans can consult official sources like MLB.com.
Dodgers’ Response and Glasnow’s Postseason Surge
After the Blue Jays secured a dominant 11-run victory in Game 1 on Friday, the Dodgers responded forcefully in Game 2. Behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game, Los Angeles clinched a 5-1 win, evening the series and demonstrating their pitching depth. The Dodgers boast an impressive 9-0 record this postseason when their starter goes at least six innings, a statistic that underscores their confidence in their rotation.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the Blue Jays’ formidable talent, stating, “These guys aren’t going to go away. They’re very confident. It’s a very talented team. (Offensively), you got to continue to tack on, you got to get to the pen, and you got to beat those guys up and keep building on innings.”
Following Yamamoto’s stellar performance, right-hander Tyler Glasnow is set to start Game 3 for the Dodgers. Glasnow, a Los Angeles-area native, has been exceptional in the postseason. Despite going 4-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 18 regular-season starts, he has elevated his game when it matters most.
In Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, Glasnow surrendered just one run over 5 2/3 innings in a Dodgers victory. His overall postseason ERA stands at an impressive 0.68 across three appearances (two starts), with 18 strikeouts over 13 1/3 innings. Facing the Blue Jays in 11 career regular-season starts, Glasnow holds a 1-4 record with a 5.82 ERA, last allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision on August 10.
When asked about pitching in the World Series for his hometown team, Glasnow emphasized his focus: “I’m trying to just go into it like it is any other game. Obviously, it’s the World Series for a hometown team, and it’s awesome. I think for me… simplify it in your workday and simplify it while you’re out there on the mound. I think a lot of the other stuff is just kind of noise.”
Offensive Rhythms and Key Returns
Beyond the pitching duel, offensive adjustments and key player returns are expected to play a significant role. The Dodgers received a boost in Game 2 with catcher Will Smith delivering his best performance of the postseason, hitting a home run and driving in three RBIs. Smith had recently returned from a broken hand sustained during the NL Division Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Smith shared his approach to the high-pressure environment, stating, “You got to embrace the emotions, but you also got to tame ’em. You got to just focus on the task at hand. Basically, just not try to do too much at times. Kind of let the game come to you, not try to force anything, and just kind of focus on what you’re doing.” Roberts expressed confidence in his team’s bats, remarking, “I feel that we’re back into a little bit of a rhythm offensively that it should show itself here these next three games.”
For the Blue Jays, there’s good news on the injury front. Infielder Bo Bichette, who has been managing a left knee issue since early September, is anticipated to return to the starting lineup in Game 3, playing second base. After pinch-hitting in Game 2, the two-time All-Star shortstop went 1-for-2 with a walk in Game 1. His presence will undoubtedly bolster Toronto’s offensive capabilities.
It’s worth recalling the historical performance of Dodgers’ first baseman Freddie Freeman in last year’s World Series. In Game 1 of the 2024 series, Freeman famously hit a game-ending grand slam against the New York Yankees, becoming the first player to hit a home run in each of the first four games of a World Series. This type of offensive prowess will be crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to break the series tie, a feat well-documented by major sports outlets such as ESPN.
With Max Scherzer eyeing a unique place in history, Tyler Glasnow looking to extend his dominant postseason run, and key offensive players returning for both sides, Game 3 of this World Series promises to be a captivating encounter that will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the series.
