Dodgers Win 18-Inning Thriller, Lead World Series 2–1
It took nearly seven hours, 18 innings, and one unforgettable swing — but the Los Angeles Dodgers finally outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night, thanks to a walk-off home run from Freddie Freeman.
Freeman, who holds dual U.S.–Canadian citizenship, crushed a center-field fastball to end one of the longest and wildest games in World Series history — a six-hour, 39-minute roller coaster that began in the sunshine and ended near dawn.
The Dodgers now lead the series 2–1, with Game 4 set for less than 18 hours later.
“Everybody watching felt like they were on a roller-coaster,” said Jays starter Max Scherzer. “Crazy, crazy, crazy game.”
An instant classic
The 18-inning marathon tied for the longest game by innings in World Series history. Fans were left exhausted, elated, and anxious — often all at once.
Freeman’s game-winner came off Toronto reliever Brendon Little, the final available pitcher from the Jays’ bullpen. Little had escaped danger in the 17th inning but couldn’t do it again, leaving a fastball in the heart of the zone.
“Obviously, he’s a great hitter,” said Little. “But I’ve got to make pitches.”
Ohtani’s dominance — and Dodgers’ depth
Before Freeman’s heroics, Shohei Ohtani owned the spotlight. The two-way superstar doubled twice and homered twice in his first four at-bats — the fourth, a game-tying bomb in the seventh inning, forced Toronto to start intentionally walking him the rest of the night.
Ohtani will take the mound in Game 4, aiming to push Los Angeles within one win of its second straight title.
A night of missed chances
Both teams had opportunities to win long before the 18th. Toronto’s Teoscar Hernández and Isiah Kiner-Falefa were thrown out on the bases. Ohtani was caught stealing in the ninth. The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the 12th after Clayton Kershaw recorded a crucial out to keep the game alive.
Even Shane Bieber, Toronto’s Game 4 starter, was warming up as the game neared a possible 19th inning.
The Blue Jays’ offense, which led MLB in postseason scoring, went silent for 11 straight innings.
“The Dodgers didn’t win the World Series today,” said manager John Schneider. “They won a game.”
Injuries and exhaustion hit Jays lineup
Toronto’s lineup deteriorated as the marathon wore on.
George Springer exited in the seventh with right-side discomfort.
Bo Bichette was replaced after showing signs of fatigue on the bases.
Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk, who hit a three-run homer earlier, were also substituted.
By the 15th inning, the Jays were fielding a lineup of reserves — and running on fumes.
Unlikely heroes and heartbreak
While Ohtani and Freeman stole headlines, the Dodgers also got a stunning performance from reliever Will Klein, who tossed four shutout innings despite joining the postseason roster just before the Series.
Toronto’s relievers fought valiantly, but the bats never woke up again after the seventh inning.
And then came Freeman’s moonshot — a towering drive through the marine layer that ended the longest night of October.
“It’s the kind of game you talk about forever,” wrote one L.A. broadcaster.
“Especially if you’re a Dodger.”
