Game 3 of the 2025 World Series transformed into an epic, 18-inning marathon where the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5. This unforgettable contest saw superstars Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman etch their names into baseball history, with Ohtani setting multiple unprecedented offensive records and Freeman delivering a walk-off home run to become the first player with two World Series walk-offs.
The 2025 World Series Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays wasn’t just a game; it was an 18-inning odyssey that pushed the boundaries of baseball history. Spanning six hours and 39 minutes, it stands as the second-longest World Series game by time, only behind the 2018 Game 3 which clocked in at 7 hours, 20 minutes before the advent of the pitch clock, as reported by MLB.com. This marathon at Dodger Stadium delivered an instant classic, packed with individual brilliance and collective perseverance that will be talked about for generations of fans.
Shohei Ohtani’s Unprecedented Offensive Showcase
In a night filled with historic moments, Shohei Ohtani was a singular force, demonstrating why he is one of baseball’s most unique talents. Ohtani’s stat line was staggering: 4-for-4 at the plate, with two home runs and two doubles, totaling four extra-base hits. This made him the first player since 1906 to record four extra-base hits in a World Series game. His offensive explosion early in the game kept the Dodgers in contention, prompting the Blue Jays to intentionally walk him four times—a new record for the most intentional walks in a single postseason game, according to StatMuse.
Ohtani’s ability to get on base was equally remarkable. He became the first player in postseason history to reach base seven times, extending that record to nine total times on base in the game. This incredible feat tied an MLB record for most times reaching base in any game, regular or postseason, a mark previously held by legends like Stan Hack (1942), Johnny Burnett (1932), and Max Carey (1922), as highlighted by MLB’s Sarah Langs. His third consecutive intentional walk in the 13th inning initially set the new postseason record of seven times on base, which he then further extended.
The Dodgers’ superstar also cemented his place in franchise history, tying Corey Seager’s 2020 record for the most home runs in a single postseason with eight. Furthermore, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to achieve three multi-homer games in a single postseason, solidifying his postseason dominance.
Freddie Freeman’s Defining Walk-Off Moment
As Ohtani set individual records, it was Freddie Freeman who provided the dramatic conclusion, hitting a walk-off solo home run in the 18th inning. This pivotal swing secured the 6-5 victory for the Dodgers and etched Freeman’s name further into World Series lore. This wasn’t his first time playing the hero; in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the Yankees, Freeman delivered a walk-off grand slam. His latest heroics made him the first player in history to hit multiple walk-off home runs in the World Series, a truly unique achievement that underscores his clutch performance in high-pressure situations.
A Gauntlet of Team Records and Unsung Heroes
The extended duration of Game 3 wasn’t just about individual records; it showcased the depth and resilience of both teams, particularly their bullpens. The Dodgers and Blue Jays combined to strand 37 runners on base, the most ever in a postseason game, highlighting the constant tension and missed opportunities throughout the contest. Both teams also set a new World Series record by using a combined 19 pitchers (10 for the Dodgers, 9 for the Blue Jays), a testament to the bullpen battle that raged for over 13 innings. The Dodgers’ use of 10 pitchers alone was a first for a single team in World Series history, as confirmed by MLB’s Sarah Langs, while the total of 19 pitchers set a new overall record for the Fall Classic, reported by Sportsnet Stats. These pitchers combined to throw an astounding 609 pitches, also a World Series record, across 153 plate appearances—another record for the Fall Classic.
Amidst the chaos, some unsung heroes emerged. Will Klein, a Dodgers pitcher who had been traded three times this calendar year and was a late addition to the postseason roster, earned the victory by pitching the final four innings. Despite having a career ERA of 5.16 and never having thrown more than 40 pitches in a single outing, Klein delivered five strikeouts and allowed no runs on just one hit, demonstrating incredible composure under immense pressure. Veteran southpaw Clayton Kershaw also made a crucial 12th-inning relief appearance, successfully navigating a bases-loaded jam to keep the Dodgers’ hopes alive.
The Impact and Fan Legacy of an Instant Classic
This epic World Series Game 3 quickly cemented its place as an instant classic, providing fans with a roller coaster of emotions, historic achievements, and incredible displays of resilience. For the Dodgers faithful, it was a night that highlighted the star power of Shohei Ohtani and the enduring clutch gene of Freddie Freeman. The sheer length and record-breaking nature of the game underscore the competitive spirit of both teams and the captivating drama that only baseball can deliver.
As the teams prepared for Game 4, questions lingered about the toll this marathon would take, particularly on the pitching staffs. However, the lasting memory will be the extraordinary performances that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in postseason baseball, leaving an indelible mark on World Series history and further solidifying the legendary status of its key players.
