Game 3 of the 2025 World Series turned into an epic showdown as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays battled for over six and a half hours. The game, which extended to 18 thrilling innings, concluded with Freddie Freeman delivering a walk-off home run, leading the Dodgers to a 2-1 advantage in the series. This remarkable contest featured a total of 31 hits and an astonishing 609 pitches thrown by both teams.
Notably, this marked only the second time in World Series history that a game has reached 18 innings, following a similar marathon in 2018 when the Dodgers faced the Boston Red Sox in another memorable clash.
Extended matches are not limited to Major League Baseball. Other sports have also witnessed their share of lengthy championship contests. In the NFL, the infamous 1962 AFL Championship saw the Dallas Texans, now known as the Kansas City Chiefs, claim victory over the Houston Oilers in double overtime, while the 1958 NFL Championship ended in a dramatic overtime, with the Baltimore Colts defeating the New York Giants.
In the realm of basketball, the 1993 NBA Finals included a scintillating Game 3 where the Phoenix Suns edged the Chicago Bulls after three overtimes. The 1976 NBA Finals also showcased an intense five-game series finale, with the Boston Celtics defeating the Suns in another nail-biting three-overtime thriller.
The WNBA has had its fair share of thrilling moments, particularly in recent years. The 2024 WNBA Finals featured two overtime games, with the New York Liberty earning a victory in Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx, following a previous Game 1 loss to the same team.
From women’s college basketball to men’s college games, the spirit of competition lives on through these extended matchups, showcasing the determination and skill of athletes across various sports.
As fans reflect on this historic World Series game, it serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that sports bring, generating unforgettable memories and celebrating the resilience of teams and players alike.