Game 3 turned into one of those legendary outings — 18 innings deep, a 6-5 win for the Dodgers, sealed by a walk-off home run by Freddie Freeman. The kind of game people will talk about for years.
For the manager of the Dodgers, Dave Roberts, he called it “one of the greatest World Series games of all time. Emotional. I’m spent emotionally.”
So yes — both teams gave it everything. Between extended innings, depleted bullpens, players pushed to the limit — it’s not just a game anymore. It was a test of endurance.
Key Player and Big Concerns: Shohei Ohtani at Center Stage
A standout storyline: Ohtani did something historic — he reached base nine times in this one postseason game (the first ever to do so) — two home runs, two doubles, five walks. Wow!
Here’s the twist: He’s scheduled to start on the mound in Game 4. That means he’s not just a hitter, but pitching — after running bases nine times in an 18-inning game. So there's concern about how physically he and his team will hold up.
Bullpen & Fatigue Factor
Game 3 drained both teams’ bullpens in a big way. They used every reliever they could. The Dodgers called on six relievers after their starter went home; the Blue Jays had similar usage.
For example: For Toronto, Eric Lauer threw 4⅔ scoreless innings and 68 pitches; closer Jeff Hoffman threw 2 innings and 33 pitches.
Catcher was also huge: Dodgers catcher Will Smith caught all 18 innings, whereas Toronto’s catcher had relief. The Dodgers catching job was quietly heroic.
What’s Next: Game 4 Will Be More Than Just a Game
Now, looking ahead to Game 4: the article flags that while Game 3 was about surviving — Game 4 may be more about willpower and endurance. With fatigued arms, changed plans, players running on fumes, everything will matter: who recovers, who battles through.
One quote sticks: “The Dodgers didn’t win the World Series today, they won a game.” — A good reminder: it’s not over yet.
Soruces: ESPN
Media files: ESPN
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