The intensity of postseason baseball is unparalleled, often leaving fans on the edge of their seats. When the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the World Series, the stakes were incredibly high. This particular contest would prove to be a true marathon, filled with strategic decisions, dramatic swings, and historic moments. As depicted in the video above, the game was a relentless test of endurance and skill, ultimately shaping the narrative of the entire series. The issue at hand was a tied series; the solution required a monumental effort in Game 3.
Game 3 winners claim the series 70% of the time. This statistic looms large in any World Series matchup. Both teams understood the immense pressure. The Blue Jays and Dodgers had battled to a 1-1 tie, making this third game pivotal. Let us delve deeper into the strategic nuances and thrilling moments of this unforgettable World Series Game 3.
The Starting Pitching Showdown: Glasnow vs. Scherzer
The mound presented a classic duel. Tyler Glasnow started for the Dodgers. His postseason ERA was an astounding 0.68 coming into Game 3. Glasnow possesses “eye-popping power stuff,” featuring a 6’8″ frame that generates significant downhill velocity. His arsenal included a power fastball, a deceptive curveball, a sharp slider, and a sinker. This combination creates an illusion for hitters, making his breaking balls particularly difficult to track. Imagine facing a 98 mph fastball, then seeing a breaking ball drop off its path.
Across the field, Max Scherzer took the ball for the Blue Jays. Known affectionately as “Mad Max,” Scherzer was making his fifth World Series start. Remarkably, he has achieved this feat with four different teams. His experience and competitive fire are legendary. However, Scherzer had yielded 19 home runs in his 17 regular season starts. This tendency to give up the long ball was a critical factor for the Dodgers’ lineup to exploit.
Early Innings: Threats and Near Misses
Glasnow started strong. He retired the Blue Jays in a quick 1-2-3 first inning. George Springer struck out swinging on a 98 mph pitch, much to the delight of Dodger fans. Kike Hernandez then secured the second out with a fantastic catch near the left field wall. This early momentum was crucial for Glasnow.
Scherzer also faced an immediate challenge. Shohei Ohtani led off the bottom of the first for the Dodgers. Ohtani immediately stroked a ball down the right field line. It landed fair, bouncing over the fence for an automatic double. This put Ohtani in scoring position. Despite the threat, Scherzer demonstrated his veteran poise. He got Mookie Betts to pop out. Addison Barger made an excellent catch, wisely keeping Ohtani at second. Freddy Freeman then flied out. Scherzer finished the inning by striking out the next batter, stranding Ohtani at second. This escape highlighted Scherzer’s ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
Controversy and Game-Changing Blasts
The second inning brought immediate drama. Bo Bichette led off for Toronto with a base hit. This was his second hit of the playoffs. Glasnow then walked Dalton Varsho. However, confusion ensued. The home plate umpire, Mark Wegner, initially flinched on what appeared to be ball four to Varsho. Both Bichette and Varsho reacted as if it was a walk. Bichette wandered off base, believing the play was dead. The umpire then ruled it strike two. Consequently, Bichette was tagged out. This controversial call led to a rare out, stunning players and fans alike. “I have never seen that before,” an announcer exclaimed. Imagine the frustration for manager John Schneider.
Despite this unusual turn, the Blue Jays continued to apply pressure. Alejandro Kirk then singled, moving Varsho to third. Glasnow, however, held firm. He struck out Addison Barger. Ernie Clement followed with a line drive that was caught. Glasnow stranded two runners, maintaining the scoreless tie.
Dodgers Unleash the Long Ball
The Dodgers broke the deadlock in the bottom of the second. Teoscar Hernandez, who had struggled mightily in the series (0 for 7 with five strikeouts), stepped to the plate. Hernandez drilled a pitch to left field. It was a no-doubter. The ball soared out for a solo home run. Max Scherzer likely wanted that pitch back. The choice of a curveball, rather than a slider, gave Hernandez the opportunity to connect. This changed the score to 1-0 Dodgers. This home run also reinforced a playoff trend: teams hitting home runs against the opposition were 26-5.
Shohei Ohtani extended the Dodgers’ lead in the third inning. With two outs, Ohtani connected for his second extra-base hit of the night. The ball flew deep to right field, a powerful solo home run. This was Ohtani’s seventh postseason home run. He had been pitched inside, allowing him to pull the ball to his preferred hitting zone. The Dodgers now led 2-0, showcasing their offensive power.
Blue Jays Mount a Staggering Comeback
The Blue Jays offense finally ignited in the top of the fourth. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off with a walk. Bo Bichette then hit a ground ball to Tommy Edman at second. Edman made a critical defensive miscue. The ball went under his glove. This allowed Guerrero Jr. to advance to third base. This error was an absolute gift to Toronto, giving them runners on the corners with nobody out.
Alejandro Kirk, already with a single, stepped up. Glasnow hung a curveball. Kirk did not miss. He drilled a three-run missile to left-center field. The 394-foot blast gave the Blue Jays a 3-2 lead. “The biggest of his career,” one announcer remarked. Hitting a hanging curveball after facing 98 mph fastballs requires exceptional timing. Addison Barger followed with a line drive single. Ernie Clement then hit a looping single. This pushed Barger to third. Andre Gimenez hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Barger from third. The Blue Jays now led 4-2. Furthermore, Clement’s hit marked his 22nd in a single postseason, surpassing Paul Molitor for a Blue Jays record. This inning demonstrated the relentless pressure Toronto could apply.
Bullpen Endurance and Ohtani’s Unmatched Talent
Tyler Glasnow’s night ended in the fifth inning. Anthony Banda replaced him. The Blue Jays continued to add on. In the seventh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. executed a spectacular slide at home plate. He scored on a Bo Bichette single, extending Toronto’s lead to 5-4. The Dodgers challenged the call, but it stood. This decision highlighted the thin margins in World Series play.
Shohei Ohtani, however, was not finished. In the bottom of the seventh, with the Dodgers trailing, Ohtani delivered another electrifying moment. He connected on a center-cut fastball. The ball flew out of the park for a game-tying solo home run. “Shohei! 5-5!” the announcer exclaimed. Ohtani was now 7 for his last 7 at Dodger Stadium, including five home runs. This made him only the second player in World Series history to record four extra-base hits in one game. The strategic decision to pitch to him, rather than intentionally walk him, proved costly. Pitching around “a unicorn” like Ohtani is always a difficult choice. Roki Sasaki then entered for the Dodgers, tasked with holding the tie. He performed admirably, stranding runners in scoring position.
A Marathon of Extra Innings
The game spilled into extra innings, becoming a true test of bullpens and nerves. Both managers were forced to dig deep into their pitching staffs. Emmet Sheehan and Clayton Kershaw appeared for the Dodgers. Braden Fisher and Eric Lauer took the mound for the Blue Jays. Each inning brought new tension and strategic decisions.
In the ninth, Tommy Edman made a spectacular defensive play. He slid on the grass in shallow right field, then threw to third base, cutting down a runner. This preserved the tie. The Dodgers then intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani. This was a calculated risk. Ohtani had a strong stolen base record during the regular season, with 7 safe attempts out of 9. However, Ohtani was picked off trying to steal second. This gamble backfired, ending the inning. “What a crazy game,” indeed.
The twelfth inning was particularly grueling. The Blue Jays loaded the bases with two outs. Clayton Kershaw, a legendary figure, entered the game. This marked his first extra-innings appearance in 40 career postseason games. Kershaw faced Nathan Lucas in a full count, bases-loaded situation. Lucas chopped a ball to third. Edman charged, flubbed the ball, but recovered. He threw to first, getting the out just in time. Kershaw stranded the bases loaded, escaping an almost insurmountable jam. This demonstrated immense fortitude.
The game continued, reaching the 13th, 14th, and 15th innings. Intentional walks to Ohtani became a recurring theme. Toronto opted to walk him four times consecutively. Ohtani reached base eight times in total: two doubles, two home runs, and four intentional walks. Each time, the Blue Jays preferred to face Mookie Betts or Freddy Freeman. Will Smith nearly ended it in the 14th, hammering a ball to the warning track that died at the wall. Dalton Varsho made a spectacular catch at the wall in the 15th, stranding Freeman. The bullpens were truly digging deep, pushing players to their physical limits.
Freddy Freeman’s Walk-Off Heroics
The marathon finally concluded in the bottom of the 18th inning. Brendan Little pitched for the Blue Jays. The score remained tied at 5-5. Both teams had collected 15 hits. The Blue Jays had stranded 19 runners, the Dodgers 18. This highlighted the missed opportunities throughout the game. Freddy Freeman stepped to the plate. With two outs, he sent a fly ball to center field. Dalton Varsho went back, but could not make the play. The ball dropped for a base hit. Freddy Freeman had ended it. He was mobbed at home plate by his teammates. The Dodgers secured a 6-5 walk-off victory, taking a crucial 2-1 series lead. “Freddy Freeman, Mr. World Series,” was the apt description. The drama unfolded until midnight, delivering a classic World Series Game 3.
Fielding Your Questions: World Series Game 3 Q&A
What teams played in the World Series Game 3 described in the article?
The game featured a matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
What made this particular World Series Game 3 so unique?
It was an exceptionally long and dramatic game, extending to 18 innings and filled with lead changes, historic moments, and strategic decisions.
Who were some of the key players mentioned for their performance in the game?
Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers had a historic night with multiple extra-base hits, and Freddy Freeman delivered the game-winning walk-off hit. Starting pitchers included Tyler Glasnow and Max Scherzer.
What was the final outcome of this marathon game?
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game 6-5 in the 18th inning with a walk-off hit by Freddy Freeman, giving them a 2-1 lead in the World Series.