Freeman’s Walk-Off Homer Seals Epic Victory Over Blue Jays
In one of the longest and most dramatic World Series games in recent history, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 on Monday night, claiming a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Freddie Freeman delivered the decisive blow with a solo home run in the 18th inning off Brendon Little — exactly seven years and one day after another Dodgers 18-inning win in 2018.
The marathon showdown at Dodger Stadium lasted 6 hours and 39 minutes, featured 609 pitches, and saw 44 players — including 19 pitchers — take the field. Both teams went scoreless for ten straight innings, from the eighth through the 17th, before Freeman’s heroics finally ended the stalemate.
Ohtani’s Record-Setting Performance
Shohei Ohtani turned in one of the most extraordinary offensive performances in World Series history. The two-way superstar recorded four extra-base hits — two home runs and two doubles — becoming the first player to do so since Frank Isbell in 1906. Ohtani reached base nine times, tying the all-time record, and walked five times, four of them intentionally.
Despite battling a leg cramp after being caught stealing in the ninth, Ohtani stayed in the game. “He’s got to pitch in like 12 hours,” marveled Clayton Kershaw, referring to Ohtani’s scheduled pitching start the following day.
Pitching Depth and Defensive Brilliance
The Dodgers leaned heavily on their bullpen, using a World Series–record 10 pitchers. Rookie Will Klein earned the win after throwing four scoreless innings and striking out Tyler Heineman with runners in scoring position in the top of the 18th. “You just have to dig deep,” Klein said. “Who else is going to come save me?”
Veteran ace Clayton Kershaw, set to retire after the Series, emerged from the bullpen in the 12th inning to escape a bases-loaded jam, striking out Nathan Lukes with a 91.9 mph fastball — his fastest pitch in over a year. “I throw gas now,” Kershaw joked afterward.
The game also showcased defensive excellence: Addison Barger threw out Freeman at home with a 98.5 mph laser, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. nailed Teoscar Hernández at third, and Tommy Edman gunned down multiple runners from short right field.
Inside the Dugout: Endurance, Emotion, and Humor
Dodgers players relied on camaraderie and humor to survive the grueling contest. Rookie reliever Justin Wrobleski joked about changing clothes and shoes multiple times during the game — finally crediting his “third pair of white Skechers” for the win.
Meanwhile, infielder Miguel Rojas prepared to pitch if the bullpen ran out of arms. Having thrown in mop-up duty during the season, Rojas mentally rehearsed his 36–70 mph pitching repertoire, ready to make history as the first position player to pitch in a World Series.
Even Sandy Koufax, the 89-year-old Dodgers legend, stayed until the final pitch to witness what manager Dave Roberts called “the kind of game that defines a franchise.” The Dodgers now move one win away from putting Toronto on the brink, with Ohtani set to take the mound in Game 4.
