2025 World Series Game 3 Recap: Dodgers Take Thrilling 18-Inning Victory
The 2025 World Series has seen the Los Angeles Dodgers take a 2-1 lead after a thrilling 18-inning Game 3 that ended with a walk-off home run by Freddie Freeman. Shohei Ohtani had a remarkable performance, setting a postseason record by reaching base in all nine plate appearances, hitting two homers and two doubles, and driving in three runs. The game tied for the longest in World Series history, matching a 2018 game between the Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.
The Dodgers took an early lead in Game 3 with Teoscar Hernández hitting a homer, followed by Ohtani's solo shot. Despite Toronto's Alejandro Kirk hitting a three-run homer, the Dodgers fought back with Ohtani's double and Freeman's RBI single, tying the game at 4-4. Toronto regained the lead, but Ohtani's home run in the bottom of the seventh tied the game again.
The game went into extra innings, with both teams having scoring opportunities but failing to capitalize. The Dodgers finally secured the win in the 18th inning when Freeman hit a walk-off home run off Brendon Little, giving them a 6-5 victory and the series lead. Game 4 is set for the next day, with Ohtani scheduled to pitch against Toronto's Shane Bieber.
The marathon game featured impressive performances from both teams, with Ohtani shining for the Dodgers and Kirk delivering for Toronto. The Dodgers used 19 pitchers in the game, leaving 37 runners on base and drawing 19 walks. Clayton Kershaw made his first extra-inning appearance in his 18-year career, highlighting his illustrious tenure with the Dodgers. Freeman's clutch home run secured the win for the Dodgers, showcasing his postseason heroics.