TORONTO (AP) – In a thrilling climax to the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11 innings during Game 7 on Saturday night, marking one of the most memorable contests in baseball history. The Dodgers trailed multiple times throughout the game, managing to overcome deficits of 3-0 and 4-2, thus becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles since the New York Yankees achieved three consecutive championships from 1998 to 2000.
The night was filled with dramatic moments, with the game showcasing extraordinary performances from both teams. Initially, the Blue Jays surged ahead with a 3-0 lead thanks to a three-run homer by Bo Bichette, marking his first long ball since September 2, before he was sidelined with a left knee injury. Despite pitching on short rest, Shohei Ohtani struggled with his command and was pulled after allowing Bichette’s homer, finishing the night having thrown 51 pitches.
As tensions heightened, the game saw benches clear in the fourth inning when Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski hit Andrés Giménez with a fastball. This incident followed prior high pitches aimed at Giménez, which led to a brief standoff before both teams were warned by the umpires. The atmosphere within the stadium encapsulated the high stakes as the fight for the title reached boiling point.
The Dodgers found their footing as Max Muncy launched a solo home run in the eighth inning, narrowing Toronto's lead to 4-3. This development set the stage for Miguel Rojas to emerge as a postseason hero. Rojas hit a crucial home run in the ninth inning, becoming the first player to hit a tying homer in the ninth inning or later of a World Series Game 7. This marked just his second career postseason home run, demonstrating his knack for stepping up in critical moments.
The bottom of the ninth proved to be a nail-biter for the Dodgers as they managed to survive a bases-loaded situation initiated by Blue Jays pitcher Blake Snell. Dodgers reliever Yoshinobu Yamamoto stepped in and faced a challenging scenario, hitting Alejandro Kirk with a pitch to load the bases. Nevertheless, the Dodgers executed a remarkable defensive play to escape the inning unscathed, with Rojas making a key play at second base and a fortuitous collision occurring between center fielder Andy Pages and left fielder Kiké Hernández to secure the final out.
In the tenth, both teams faced pressure as the Blue Jays stranded three runners, and the Dodgers loaded the bases with one out but could not capitalize, marking the intensity of the match as time wore on. Will Smith cemented his place in World Series history by hitting a 2-0 slider from Shane Bieber over the left-field bullpen in the eleventh inning. This home run not only gave the Dodgers their first lead of the game but was also noteworthy for being the first extra-inning homer in a Game 7.
As the game approached its conclusion, the Blue Jays made a last-ditch effort, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubling off Yamamoto to start the bottom of the eleventh. However, Yamamoto managed to secure his World Series MVP award by inducing a game-ending double play against Kirk, thus sealing the Dodgers’ victory for their second consecutive championship.
The Dodgers' resilience throughout the game highlighted their determination and ability to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat, while the Blue Jays showcased their potent offense and defensive skills. This Game 7 will surely go down in baseball lore as a testament to the drama and excitement that makes the sport beloved by fans across the globe.
