LA Dodgers Survive in Toronto to Set Up Decisive Game 7 in World Series

This year's World Series is going to a decisive seventh game following the Dodgers kept their repeat dreams alive Friday night with a 3–1 victory over the Blue Jays in Game 6.

The reigning title holders halted Toronto’s late-game comeback with a thrilling final twin killing, stunning a home audience that had arrived prepared to cheer the team's championship in over three decades.

Sixth Game Recap

The Dodgers generated all of their scoring in the third inning. With two outs, Ohtani was purposely passed before Smith doubled to left field to bring home Edman. Freeman drew a walk to fill the bases, and Betts delivered with a two-run single to the opposite field, handing the Dodgers a three-run advantage.

That key hit snapped a playoff dry spell and revived the title holders' aspirations of being the initial back-to-back World Series winners since the Yankees captured three straight from 1998 through 2000.

Mound Battle

Kevin Gausman had been dominant to that point, striking out six of the initial seven Dodgers he faced. He fanned 8 through three innings, matching a Fall Classic mark, but the third-inning barrage proved decisive. The Blue Jays' star ended with eight strikeouts over six innings, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks.

Yamamoto, meanwhile, was steady again under pressure. The 27-year-old right-hander outpitched Gausman for the second occasion in a week, allowing one run on five hits over six innings with six strikeouts. He improved to four wins and one loss this postseason with a 1.56 ERA.

The only run against him came on George Springer two-out base hit in the third inning, driving in Addison Barger, who had hit a double earlier in the inning. Springer’s hit provided a momentary lift in his comeback to the lineup after missing a pair of contests with an side strain.

Bullpen Heroics

After that, the Los Angeles relievers carried the load. Rookie Justin Wrobleski got out of a tight spot in the seventh, and another rookie Rōki Sasaki pitched into the ninth before hitting Alejandro Kirk to open the frame. Addison Barger then hit a double that became wedged under the outfield wall, forcing runners to hold at second and third base.

Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers' third game starting pitcher, came on in a relief role and got a popout before Andrés Giménez lined to left. Enrique Hernández made the catch and threw to second base to retire the runner, sealing the win and giving the pitcher his first-ever successful save.

Next Up: Game 7

The best-of-seven now comes down to one game. Max Scherzer will start for the Blue Jays, becoming the sole active hurler to start multiple World Series Game 7s after doing so in the 2019 season with Washington. The 40-year-old signed a one-year deal to pursue another championship and has been a vocal leader throughout this postseason.

The Dodgers, looking to be the sport's first back-to-back title winners in almost 25 years, are projected to lean on their two-way star for a brief appearance.

Virginia Hughes
Virginia Hughes

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and empowering others through mindful living.