The Los Angeles Dodgers captured one of the most dramatic victories in World Series history, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 in a marathon 18-inning Game 3 that lasted over six and a half hours at Dodger Stadium. The win gives Los Angeles a 2–1 lead in the 2024 World Series, moving them within two games of another championship.

Freddie Freeman’s Legendary Moment

Veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman, already a two-time World Series champion, sealed his place in Dodgers folklore by smashing a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning. The blast, launched to straightaway center off Toronto reliever Brendon Little, sent a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 fans into delirium and tied the record for the longest postseason game in Major League Baseball history by innings.

Freeman, who holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, has now won titles with both the Atlanta Braves (2021) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2024), cementing his reputation as one of baseball’s most clutch postseason performers.

“This is what you dream about,” Freeman said after the game. “Eighteen innings, every pitch mattered. We fought all night, and it feels incredible to finish it off like that.”

Ohtani’s Two-Homer Night Keeps Dodgers Alive

Although Freeman delivered the final blow, the night also belonged to Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way superstar. Ohtani went an incredible 5-for-5 with two home runs, five walks (four intentional), and four RBIs. He became the first player in postseason history to reach base in all nine plate appearances during a World Series game.

Ohtani opened the scoring with a solo home run in the third inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead after Teoscar Hernández had homered earlier in the second. He later tied the game 5–5 in the seventh with another towering blast, keeping Los Angeles alive after Bo Bichette’s RBI double had put Toronto ahead.

Despite being caught stealing in the ninth, Ohtani’s performance was a showcase of his unmatched combination of power, patience, and presence. He will take the mound as the starting pitcher for Game 4, looking to push the Dodgers to the brink of a title.

Blue Jays’ Early Surge and Missed Opportunities

The Toronto Blue Jays, seeking their first championship since 1993, showed resilience throughout the night. Catcher Alejandro Kirk provided the biggest spark early, crushing a three-run homer in the fourth inning that flipped a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 lead. Toronto added another run on Andrés Giménez’s sacrifice fly to make it 4–2, briefly silencing the Los Angeles crowd.

Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, making history by becoming the first player to start a World Series game for four different teams, exited after allowing four runs in five innings. His departure opened the door for the Dodgers to mount a comeback.

Toronto had chances to take control again late in the game — including a play at the plate in the 10th inning, when pinch-runner Davis Schneider was thrown out trying to score. But the Blue Jays left multiple runners stranded, unable to capitalize against the Dodgers’ deep bullpen.

Kershaw’s Emotional Final Appearance

In one of the night’s most emotional moments, legendary Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made a surprise relief appearance in what is expected to be his final World Series before retirement. The future Hall of Famer tossed two scoreless innings, drawing a standing ovation from fans who recognized the symbolic passing of the torch to Ohtani and Freeman.

Dodgers Manager Finds Relief at Home

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who earlier apologized for criticizing travel delays returning from Canada, finally found redemption on home turf. “I’m proud of how our guys battled,” Roberts said. “This was a game of willpower — and Freddie delivered one of the greatest moments in Dodger Stadium history.”

What’s Next: Game 4 at Dodger Stadium

The series continues Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, with Shohei Ohtani set to pitch against Toronto’s José Berríos. The Dodgers will look to extend their 2–1 advantage, while the Blue Jays hope to even the series before it heads back to Toronto for a potential Game 6.

World Series 2024 Schedule

• Game 1: Blue Jays 11–4 Dodgers
• Game 2: Dodgers 5–1 Blue Jays
• Game 3: Dodgers 6–5 Blue Jays (18 innings)
• Game 4 (in LA): Tuesday, October 28
• Game 5 (in LA): Wednesday, October 29
• Game 6* (in Toronto): Friday, October 31
• Game 7* (in Toronto): Saturday, November 1
  (*If necessary)

As the tension mounts, fans are already calling Game 3 one of the greatest World Series contests ever played — a game defined by Ohtani’s brilliance, Freeman’s heroics, and a display of endurance, emotion, and excellence that will be remembered for decades to come.