The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions — again. In a series that will be remembered for generations, the Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays in an 11-inning Game 7 thriller Saturday night at Rogers Centre, becoming the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to win consecutive championships. The 5-4 victory capped what might be the greatest World Series ever played — and added to the franchise’s heritage among baseball’s all-time dynasties.
An Instant Classic for the Ages
Every single game delivered drama. The 18-inning marathon in Game 3 that ended with Freddie Freeman‘s walk-off homer matched the longest game in World Series history. Toronto’s rookie sensation Trey Yesavage struck out 10 batters through five innings in Game 5. Game 6’s ending defied belief when a potential game-tying double ricocheted off the wall and a stunning game-ending double play.
And then came Game 7 — a back-and-forth battle featuring a game-tying homer in the ninth from Miguel Rojas and Will Smith‘s go-ahead blast in the 11th.
This wasn’t just great baseball. This was historic theater that showcased everything we love about October and the MLB. The Dodgers and Blue Jays pushed each other to the absolute limit, and both teams earned respect from fans across the globe for what they displayed on the field.
Yamamoto’s Historic MVP Performance
Righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t just win the World Series MVP — he authored one of the greatest pitching performances in playoff history. After throwing a complete game in Game 2 and six innings in Game 6, Yamamoto came out of the bullpen on no rest to close out Game 7. He pitched 2-2/3 scoreless innings, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth before inducing a game-ending double play in the 11th.
Yamamoto finished the series 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA across 17-2/3 innings, becoming the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 2001 to win three games in a single World Series. Yamamoto struck out 15 and walked just two. His workload was unprecedented in the modern era — pitching back-to-back games after throwing 96 pitches the night before seemed impossible.
Yet there he was, retiring Alejandro Kirk on his 130th pitch over two days to clinch the championship.
Unlikely Heroes Step Up
While Yamamoto earned the hardware, this championship belonged to everyone. Rojas hit one of the most improbable home runs in World Series history, tying Game 7 in the ninth inning when all seemed lost. And that’s not mentioning his defense in the field.
Smith followed with the game-winner in the 11th off Shane Bieber, sending Dodgers fans into delirium. Mookie Betts delivered the game-ending double play, fielding Kirk’s grounder and firing to Freeman for the final out.
Throughout the series, different players stepped up when needed. Freeman’s 18th-inning heroics. Tommy Edman‘s clutch hitting. Enrique Hernández‘s timely at-bats. Shohei Ohtani‘s performance on both sides of the ball, including an absolute showcase with the bat in Game 3.
This wasn’t a one-man show — it was a complete team effort that showcased the club’s depth and championship character.
The Bullpen That Wouldn’t Quit
Let’s address one of the club’s biggest weaknesses from the All-Star break on — the Los Angeles bullpen entered this postseason as a huge question mark. Gone were Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech, who were supposed to shoulder the brunt of the load throughout the season. The absence of Alex Vesia — who missed the entire World Series while he and his wife Kayla navigated a deeply personal family matter — left a massive void.
Yet somehow, skipper Dave Roberts made adjustments and his patchwork group found a way. Will Klein threw four scoreless innings in that 18-inning Game 3 marathon despite never throwing more than 45 pitches in a game professionally. Clayton Kershaw even entered the game to record critical outs. Blake Treinen and Roki Sasaki delivered when called upon.
Additionally, the entire bullpen wore caps embroidered with Vesia’s No. 51 throughout the series, and the Blue Jays’ relievers joined them in a touching tribute — a reminder that some things are bigger than baseball.
Cementing the Franchise’s Legacy
Three World Series titles in six years. Back-to-back championships. A roster loaded with Hall of Famers in their prime. The Dodgers aren’t just winning — they’re establishing themselves as this generation’s dynasty. Front-office boss Andrew Friedman called it the “golden era of Dodger baseball,” and it’s hard to argue.
This series had everything from historic pitching performances and dramatic home runs and marathon games to a Game 7 for the ages. The Dodgers came from behind repeatedly, won twice facing elimination and beat a Blue Jays team that won 49 comeback games during the regular season. They did it with grit, talent and an unwavering belief that they were destined for greatness.
The parade in downtown Los Angeles will be one to remember. The Dodgers are champions. Again.
And they may not be done yet.