In an exhilarating Game 3 of the World Series, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani showcased his extraordinary talent, leading Los Angeles to a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in an 18-inning marathon. Ohtani’s remarkable performance included two home runs, two doubles, and an impressive total of nine times reaching base, which prompted the Blue Jays to adopt a new strategy of intentionally walking him.
The Blue Jays didn’t initially plan to walk Ohtani, but as he continued to dominate at the plate — highlighted by a game-tying home run in the seventh inning — they shifted tactics. Manager John Schneider decided to walk Ohtani four consecutive times starting in the ninth inning, followed by another intentional walk in the 17th. This decision, despite being risky due to the presence of formidable hitters like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman behind Ohtani, was made to minimize the damage inflicted by one of baseball’s great talents.
“We trust [reliever Seranthony Dominguez] to make pitches,” Schneider explained. “But today, it was just tough to execute against him.” Despite Ohtani’s impressive showing, the Blue Jays’ bullpen held strong, managing to navigate through several challenging situations without allowing the walks to adversely affect them. However, the Dodgers secured the win with a walk-off home run from Freeman in the 18th inning, leaving the Blue Jays to regroup for subsequent games.
Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa emphasized the need to maintain mental fortitude after the defeat, noting that they have been in similar situations before and are capable of bouncing back, stating, “Down 2-1 isn’t as bad as being down 2-0. It’s just another thing we have to overcome.” Despite the heartbreak of losing such a lengthy game, Schneider believes his players will regroup and come back ready for Game 4.
Both teams faced unique challenges with limited fatigue, such as Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer, who pitched 4⅔ scoreless innings in the extra frames. The emotional toll of such a long game tested everyone’s mental toughness. Ohtani’s extraordinary ability to attract attention reminds all fans and players alike why he’s a game-changer in moments that demand the best.
As the World Series continues, the focus shifts to the Blue Jays’ resilience and their ability to remain competitive, while Ohtani’s performance raises expectations for future games. There’s a palpable sense of hope and determination in the air as both teams prepare for the next big showdown.