Los Angeles, October 28, 2025 — The Los Angeles Dodgers took a dramatic 2-1 lead in the MLB World Series after Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run in the 18th inning sealed a thrilling 6–5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 on Monday night. The marathon matchup, lasting 6 hours and 39 minutes, tied the record for the longest game in World Series history by innings.
Freeman’s Heroics Cap an Epic Battle
Freeman’s solo shot off left-hander Brendon Little (0–2) sent the Dodger Stadium crowd into delirium and gave Los Angeles right-hander Will Klein (1–0) the win after he pitched four scoreless innings in relief.
The game was an instant classic, featuring clutch hitting, extraordinary bullpen work, and two historic home runs from Shohei Ohtani, who continues to dazzle in his first postseason with the Dodgers.
“That was one for the ages,” Freeman said after the game. “We just kept grinding and believing. That’s what this team is built for.”
Ohtani Makes History Again
Shohei Ohtani had a night to remember, blasting two home runs — in the third and seventh innings — while also adding two doubles and five walks (four intentional). His nine times on base set a new postseason record.
Ohtani now has five home runs in his last two home playoff games, and eight overall in the 2025 postseason. His performance cemented his case for World Series MVP honors if the Dodgers can close out the series.
“Every time Shohei steps up, something historic happens,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’s redefining what it means to be a postseason superstar.”
Dodgers Use Record 10 Pitchers to Secure Win
The Dodgers showcased their bullpen depth, using a World Series-record 10 pitchers throughout the marathon. Young right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein combined for six shutout innings, while veteran Clayton Kershaw entered for one crucial out in the 12th, escaping a bases-loaded jam.
Meanwhile, Toronto countered with nine pitchers, relying on reliever Eric Lauer, who delivered 4⅔ scoreless innings to keep the Blue Jays in contention.
Blue Jays Fight Hard but Fall Short
Toronto’s offense was led by Alejandro Kirk, who launched a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give the Blue Jays a temporary 4–2 lead. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette added clutch RBIs in the seventh, but the Dodgers’ relentless attack and Ohtani’s power proved too much.
The Blue Jays have now dropped two straight games after a strong 11-run performance in Game 1.
“It’s tough to lose a game like that,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “We fought hard, but one swing changed everything.”
Defensive Gems Seal the Victory
Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman delivered two game-saving defensive plays — throwing out Isiah Kiner-Falefa at third base in the ninth and Davis Schneider at home in the 10th — preventing Toronto from regaining the lead.
Those plays set the stage for Freeman’s walk-off blast, his fifth career postseason home run and arguably his most memorable.
What’s Next: Game 4 Preview
The World Series continues Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will send Shohei Ohtani to the mound against Toronto right-hander Shane Bieber in Game 4. Los Angeles will look to take a commanding 3–1 series lead, while Toronto hopes to even the score before returning home.
Key Stats from Game 3
- Final Score: Dodgers 6, Blue Jays 5 (18 innings)
- Time: 6 hours, 39 minutes
- Longest Game (by innings): Tied World Series record (18 innings, 2018)
- Dodgers pitchers used: 10 (World Series record)
- Ohtani: 2 HR, 2 doubles, 5 walks, 9 times on base
- Freeman: 3 hits, game-winning HR in 18th inning
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