Baseball fans witnessed something extraordinary on October 27, 2025. What began as a typical World Series matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays transformed into an 18-inning epic that lasted six hours and 39 minutes, stretching from 8 PM ET until nearly 3 AM the following morning.
Freddie Freeman's walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning secured a 6-5 victory for the Dodgers, giving them a 2-1 series lead. But this game was about much more than the final score. It tied the record for the longest World Series game ever played and showcased individual performances that will be talked about for generations.
The marathon featured record-breaking achievements, strategic gambles, and moments of brilliance that exemplified why baseball remains America's pastime. From Shohei Ohtani's historic offensive display to Will Klein's unexpected heroics on the mound, Game 3 delivered drama that even Hollywood couldn't script.
Ohtani's Record-Breaking Performance
Shohei Ohtani entered Game 3 already established as one of baseball's premier talents, but his performance on this night elevated him to legendary status. The Dodgers superstar went 4-for-4 with two home runs and two doubles, matching a World Series single-game record with four extra-base hits.
More remarkably, Ohtani reached base nine times throughout the 18-inning contest, setting a new World Series record. This total included five walks, four of which were intentional—also a World Series record for a single game. His ability to impact the game offensively while being strategically avoided by opponents demonstrated his unparalleled value.
The Blue Jays' decision to intentionally walk Ohtani four consecutive times reflected both respect for his abilities and desperation to prevent further damage. Manager John Schneider initially tried pitching around Ohtani, but after the slugger's early success, the strategy shifted to simply putting him on base rather than risking another extra-base hit.
Ohtani's performance wasn't just about numbers—it was about sustained excellence under pressure. In a game where fatigue typically becomes a factor after the 12th inning, he maintained his focus and continued threatening the Blue Jays' pitching staff whenever they chose to challenge him.
Strategic Chess Match: Walking the MVP
The Blue Jays' approach to Ohtani created one of the game's most compelling strategic storylines. After Ohtani tormented Toronto pitching with his perfect 4-for-4 start, including two home runs in the early innings, Schneider made the calculated decision to avoid confronting him directly.
This strategy put additional pressure on the rest of the Dodgers lineup while keeping Ohtani from inflicting further damage. The intentional walks loaded the bases multiple times, creating scoring opportunities for Los Angeles while preventing their most dangerous hitter from swinging the bat.
Initially, the plan worked. Blue Jays reliever Eric Lauer pitched 4.2 scoreless innings, successfully navigating around the traffic created by Ohtani's walks. The Toronto bullpen demonstrated remarkable composure, stranding runners and keeping the game competitive despite constantly pitching from behind in the count.
However, the strategy ultimately backfired when it mattered most. The constant base traffic and pitcher fatigue accumulated over 18 innings, contributing to the eventual breakdown that allowed Freeman's game-winning blast.
Will Klein's Unlikely Heroism
While Ohtani grabbed headlines with his offensive explosion, Will Klein emerged as the game's unsung hero. The Dodgers reliever, who began the season bouncing between the majors and minors, delivered when his team needed him most.
Klein pitched four scoreless innings in relief, keeping the Dodgers competitive during the game's middle stages. His performance came at a crucial time when the Dodgers' bullpen was stretched thin and every out became precious.
"I was just going to go until I couldn't anymore," Klein said after the game, embodying the never-quit attitude that defined this marathon contest. His teammates recognized his contribution, with closer Anthony Banda declaring, "Will Klein. Will Klein... That's what I love about the playoffs. It gives an opportunity to a guy like Will Klein to become a legend."
Klein's outing represented everything beautiful about playoff baseball—an unheralded player rising to the occasion when his team faced elimination from a World Series game. Manager Dave Roberts praised his effort: "You don't ever plan on playing 18 innings, and you just kind of ask more from the player. He delivered."
Even Freeman, who ultimately won the game, credited Klein's performance: "Thankfully, Will Klein — MVP of this game — was able to throw more zeros up, and I was able to get up again."
The Walk-Off That Ended the Marathon
After 18 innings of back-and-forth action, Freeman provided the dramatic conclusion that such an epic game deserved. His walk-off home run off Blue Jays reliever Brendon Little sent the exhausted but jubilant Dodger Stadium crowd home with a victory they'll never forget.
The moment was particularly sweet for Freeman, who had already established himself as a clutch performer throughout his career. His ability to deliver in the game's biggest moments reinforced his reputation as one of baseball's premier situational hitters.
For Little, who had been thrust into an impossible situation, the home run represented the cruel nature of baseball. After both teams had exhausted most of their bullpen options, he was asked to keep a marathon game alive and came up just short.
The walk-off capped a game that featured multiple lead changes, defensive gems, and individual performances that will be remembered long after the final out was recorded.
Clayton Kershaw's Unexpected Cameo
Adding another layer to this historic night, Clayton Kershaw made an unexpected appearance from the bullpen in the 12th inning. The future Hall of Famer, typically a starter, demonstrated his commitment to winning by accepting any role necessary.
Kershaw's willingness to pitch in relief during a World Series game showed the veteran leadership that championship teams require. Despite being out of his normal routine, he provided valuable innings when the Dodgers needed them most.
His appearance also highlighted the desperate measures both teams employed as the game stretched into unprecedented territory. Traditional roles disappeared as managers used every available option to keep their teams competitive.
Historical Context and Records
Game 3's 18-inning duration tied the record for the longest World Series game in history, matching the 18-inning contest between the Boston Red Sox and Brooklyn Robins in 1916. The six-hour, 39-minute game time tested the endurance of players, fans, and broadcasters alike.
Beyond the length, multiple individual records fell during the marathon. Ohtani's nine times on base and four intentional walks both set World Series single-game records. His four extra-base hits tied an existing World Series mark, demonstrating his historic impact on the game's outcome.
The game also showcased the evolution of modern baseball strategy. The Blue Jays' willingness to walk Ohtani repeatedly represented a new level of analytical thinking, prioritizing overall run prevention over traditional competitive instincts.
What This Game Means for Baseball
This 18-inning epic reminded fans why baseball remains unique among professional sports. No clock governed the action—only the pursuit of 27 outs determined when the game would end. This fundamental characteristic allowed for the organic development of drama that couldn't be replicated in time-limited sports.
The game also demonstrated baseball's capacity for individual brilliance within team contexts. Ohtani's record-setting performance and Klein's unlikely heroics occurred within a larger narrative about strategy, endurance, and clutch execution.
Looking Ahead
With the Dodgers now leading the World Series 2-1, Game 3's marathon has shifted momentum in their favor. The emotional and physical toll of an 18-inning game will impact both teams as they prepare for Game 4, though both clubs expressed confidence in their readiness to continue the series.
The Blue Jays face the challenge of bouncing back from a devastating loss while dealing with the fatigue accumulated during the longest game in World Series history. Their bullpen, in particular, will need time to recover after being stretched to its absolute limits.
For the Dodgers, the victory provides both confidence and concern. While they gained a crucial series lead, they also depleted their pitching staff and will need to manage their resources carefully for the remainder of the series.
Game 3 of the 2025 World Series will be remembered as one of the greatest contests in baseball history. It combined individual excellence, strategic innovation, and pure endurance into a six-hour showcase of everything that makes baseball compelling. Whether you witnessed it live or heard about it afterward, this 18-inning marathon represents the kind of game that creates lifelong fans and reminds us why we love this beautiful, unpredictable sport.
