The Los Angeles Dodgers have forced a dramatic Game 7 in the 2025 World Series, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 3–1 at Rogers Centre on Friday night after capitalizing on a single three-run rally in the third inning.
The Blue Jays, who had a chance to clinch their first title in over three decades, missed multiple scoring opportunities, leaving eight runners stranded and failing to convert key at-bats in the late innings.
Dodgers seize momentum early
L.A. ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered six solid innings, scattering five hits, allowing one run, and striking out six. He credited a more careful pitch mix for containing Toronto’s lineup.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers struck in the third inning when Will Smith doubled to bring home the opening run. Moments later, Mookie Betts broke out of a slump with a clutch two-RBI single after Shohei Ohtani was intentionally walked.
That single frame provided all the offence Los Angeles needed.
Jays’ missed chances and heartbreak
Toronto’s frustration peaked in the ninth inning when Addison Barger’s drive to the gap lodged under the outfield wall for a ground-rule double — erasing what looked like a two-run play. Moments later, Barger was picked off second base, snuffing out the rally.
Manager John Schneider called it “a tough break,” noting, “I’ve been here a long time — haven’t seen a ball get lodged, ever.”
The Jays also wasted prime scoring chances in the sixth and eighth innings, with Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho failing to cash in runners in scoring position.
Ohtani factor and Game 7 outlook
Ohtani again proved pivotal — drawing a walk that sparked the Dodgers’ rally and setting the stage for Betts’ crucial hit.
For Toronto, Kevin Gausman was otherwise brilliant, tossing six innings of one-hit baseball aside from the costly third.
Now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s Game 7, where veteran Max Scherzer will start for Toronto, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted Ohtani could pitch in relief.
“It’s gonna be fun — three or four hours of mayhem and great baseball,” Schneider said. “These guys are going to be ready for it.”
After Friday’s heartbreak, the 2025 MLB champion will be decided in one final showdown at Rogers Centre.
