Dodgers Secure World Series Title in Dramatic Game 7
TORONTO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious in a thrilling Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, clinching their place as the first back-to-back champions in 25 years. The game, filled with unforgettable moments, concluded with a 5-4 win for the Dodgers.
Will Smith delivered a historic performance, hitting the first extra-inning home run in a winner-takes-all title game. His 11th-inning homer followed Miguel Rojas’ game-tying home run in the ninth, marking Rojas as the first player to achieve this in a Game 7. “You dream of those moments,” Smith expressed after the memorable 4-hour, 7-minute game. “I’ll remember that for forever.”
The Blue Jays initially took a 3-0 lead, thanks to Bo Bichette’s third-inning homer off Shohei Ohtani. Despite this lead, the Dodgers narrowed the gap with Max Muncy’s solo homer in the eighth inning. The game remained tense as World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto navigated a bases-loaded situation in the bottom half of the ninth, while Toronto’s Seranthony Domínguez prevented three Dodgers from scoring in the 10th inning.
Smith’s decisive homer off Shane Bieber’s pitch handed the Dodgers their first lead of the game. “He hung a slider,” Smith stated. “I banged it.” Bieber, making an unexpected relief appearance, acknowledged, “He was looking for it and I didn’t execute.”
The game was only the sixth World Series Game 7 to extend into extra innings, drawing parallels to the 1997 Marlins’ 3-2 win over Cleveland. In the bottom of the 11th, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled and advanced to third, but a double play initiated by shortstop Mookie Betts sealed the Dodgers’ victory.
Los Angeles managed to overcome a 3-2 Series deficit on the road, becoming the first National League team to win consecutive titles since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. With their ninth championship and third in six years, the Dodgers have strengthened their dynasty status. Manager Dave Roberts commented, “To do what we’ve done in this span of time is pretty remarkable.”
Yamamoto, after a standout postseason performance, finished with a 5-1 record and a 1.45 ERA. Reflecting on his contribution, he said, “Before I went in, to be honest, I was not really sure if I could pitch up there to my best ability.”
This World Series was marked by numerous highlights, including the first pinch-hit grand slam, first complete game in a decade, and an 18-inning Game 3 featuring Shohei Ohtani. Freddie Freeman, who hit two walk-off homers, remarked, “That game had every single thing you could possibly have.”
The Dodgers utilized all four postseason starting pitchers, with contributions from Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Bichette had initially put Toronto in the lead with a 442-foot homer off Ohtani, who was pitching on short rest.
Defensive plays were crucial, with Rojas making a pivotal play in the ninth to stop a bases-loaded grounder. Andy Pages and Mookie Betts also showcased defensive prowess, ensuring the Dodgers’ lead remained intact.
The Dodgers celebrated their victory amid a shower of silver confetti, while the Blue Jays reflected on their near-success. Ernie Clement, emotional after the defeat, said, “I’ve been crying for like probably for an hour.” Despite the loss, the Blue Jays gave a strong performance against the formidable Dodgers.
With this win, the Dodgers look forward to continuing their dominance in baseball. Freeman, eyeing future success, noted, “The Yankees are three-time back-to-back, so we get to use that same narrative next year.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
