The Dodgers steal Game 7 in extras to repeat as World Series champs - ESPN
TORONTO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title in thrilling fashion, capping off a hard-fought series against the Toronto Blue Jays. In a game that went into extra innings, it was the Dodgers' resilience and clutch performances that ultimately secured their victory.
The turning point came in the top of the 11th inning when Will Smith, the Dodgers' catcher, hit a solo home run, giving his team the lead for the first time in the game. This crucial moment set the stage for the final inning, where Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers' pitcher, sealed the deal with a stellar performance.
Yamamoto's performance was a testament to the team's depth and talent. He pitched the last 2.2 innings, allowing just one run, and finished the game with a double play, showcasing his ability to induce crucial outs when it mattered most.
The Dodgers' journey to the championship was not without its challenges. They faced a series of injuries to their starting pitchers, including Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Yamamoto himself. Despite these setbacks, the team's star-studded rotation rounded into form in September, dominating with a 2.07 ERA.
The Dodgers' offense also played a pivotal role, especially in the postseason. They breezed past the Cincinnati Reds, outlasted the Philadelphia Phillies, and swept the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series for the fifth time in nine years. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure was a key factor in their success.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, presented a formidable challenge. They won Game 1 with a dominant performance, but the Dodgers responded with a complete-game masterpiece from Yamamoto in Game 2. The series remained close, with the Blue Jays taking Games 4 and 5, forcing the Dodgers to win back-to-back games in Toronto.
In Game 6, the Dodgers' defense came through in the clutch, with Enrique Hernandez making a crucial catch and throwing out a runner at second base. In Game 7, it was Miguel Rojas who stepped up, hitting a home run in the ninth inning to tie the game and set the stage for the extra innings.
The final moments of the game were filled with drama. The Blue Jays loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but the Dodgers' defense held firm. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman worked together to induce a double play
