Dodgers force World Series to decider with crucial 3-1 victory over Blue Jays

The Los Angeles Dodgers, powered by a decisive three-run third inning and another masterful outing from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Friday to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in the World Series. The defending champions had to dig deep, fending off a tense ninth-inning rally from the Blue Jays to level Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven series at 3-3. The Dodgers remain in contention for MLB’s first back-to-back championship in 25 years, while the Blue Jays will aim for their first title in 32 years when they host Game 7 on Saturday.


With Toronto threatening in the ninth - runners on second and third and no outs - Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow, originally slated to start Game 7, was brought in. Glasnow coolly induced a flyout from Ernie Clement before Andres Gimenez lined out to left field. Enrique "Kiké" Hernández made the grab and fired to second base, where Miguel Rojas doubled off Addison Barger to seal the win.




"That was crazy," said Mookie Betts of the game-ending play. "I thought it was going to drop, but Kike made a great read. I was yelling ‘two, two, two,’ and he nailed it. That was a sick catch."

Manager Dave Roberts said he had no hesitation in turning to Glasnow after closer Roki Sasaki struggled. "This is do or die," Roberts said. "You’ve got to leave it all out there. Glasnow had swing-and-miss stuff, and I trusted him."


Glasnow’s brief relief appearance opens the possibility for Shohei Ohtani to pitch in Game 7. "He’ll definitely be part of the pitching plan," Roberts confirmed. "It could be two innings or four. We’ll see how he feels."


The Dodgers’ offense came alive in the third inning. After Kevin Gausman intentionally walked Ohtani, Will Smith doubled home Tommy Edman, and Betts followed with a two-run single - a huge moment for the star outfielder, who entered the game batting just .130 in the series. George Springer drove in Toronto’s lone run in the bottom of the third, but Yamamoto and the Dodgers bullpen held firm to keep the season alive.