Baseball holds a special place as America’s pastime, largely due to its iconic moments, and the recent World Series showcased just that. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays delivered a thrilling Game 7 that had fans, including sports figures like Caitlin Clark and Chris Paul, buzzing with excitement. The Dodgers took the championship with a close score of 5-4, keeping fans on edge from Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Here are five standout moments from that unforgettable Game 7.
5). Clayton Kershaw Ends on a High Note
For a while, the situation looked grim for Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. The Blue Jays were on the verge of breaking their 32-year World Series championship drought. But then, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, and Will Smith turned the game around in an impressive fashion.
Kershaw’s career is likely headed to Cooperstown, especially after earning his third championship ring. In a heartfelt speech to his teammates before the champagne celebration, he expressed, “It’s truly an honor to be in this clubhouse with you all. I love each and every one of you. I can’t think of a better way to go out than to open a bottle with this group. We’re on a winning streak!”
4). Bo Bichette’s Three-Run Home Run
From the outset, the atmosphere at Rogers Center was electric. Blue Jays fans were eager for a big play, and Bo Bichette delivered. Despite battling a knee injury, he managed to hit a three-run homer in the third inning, putting Toronto in the lead. Bichette finished the game with 2-for-4 before being substituted for a pinch runner.
3). Andy Pages Surpasses Enrique Hernandez
With the bases loaded, Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement had a golden opportunity to make a mark in franchise lore. However, instead of making a catch, Enrique Hernandez found himself overshadowed when center fielder Andy Pages swooped in, snagging the ball, and keeping hope alive for Los Angeles.
2). Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Stellar Performance
After pitching six innings in the previous game, the Dodgers called on Yoshinobu Yamamoto to help them out of a tight spot in the bottom of the ninth. Stepping in for Blake Snell, he managed to stifle a bases-loaded situation and went on to shut out Toronto in the 10th and 11th innings. Yamamoto’s efforts earned him the World Series MVP after winning three games in the series.
1). Will Smith’s Game-Winning Home Run
One of the most memorable moments in Dodgers’ history occurred when Will Smith hit a go-ahead home run off Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber during the 11th inning, giving Los Angeles a 5–4 lead. Smith made history by being the first MLB player to hit a home run in overtime of Game 7 in the World Series. This pivotal hit marked the Dodgers’ first lead of the game and significantly contributed to their victory.
