Dodgers Outlast Blue Jays in Historic 18-Inning World Series Game 3 Marathon

The Longest Night: LA Dodgers Claim Epic Game 3 Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a monumental victory in Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, prevailing in a grueling, record-tying 18-inning marathon. The contest, which stretched deep into the early hours, tested the endurance of both teams and left the bullpens decimated, ultimately concluding with the Dodgers taking a crucial lead in the best-of-seven series.

This extraordinary fixture immediately enters the annals of baseball history, matching the longest game ever played in a World Series, previously set by the Boston Red Sox and Dodgers in 2018.

Early Momentum and Hernandez’s Redemption

The Dodgers’ offense, despite the eventual low score, provided early sparks that set the stage for the dramatic conclusion. The narrative of the night began with Teoscar Hernandez, who delivered a critical moment of redemption after a disappointing Game 2 performance where he struck out in all four of his plate appearances.

In the second inning, Hernandez launched a solo home run, giving the Dodgers the initial lead and erasing the memory of his previous struggles. This early blast provided a much-needed lift for the team.

Shortly thereafter, superstar Shohei Ohtani doubled the advantage, hitting a solo shot of his own. Ohtani’s powerful swing ensured the Dodgers held a two-run cushion early in the game, a lead that proved vital but ultimately evaporated as the contest settled into a historic pitching duel.

The Unrelenting Pitching Duel

Following the early home runs, the game transformed into a relentless battle of attrition. Both starting pitchers performed admirably, but the true story of the night was the sheer volume and quality of relief pitching required to navigate 18 innings—the equivalent of two full games.

Key factors in the marathon:

• Bullpen Exhaustion: Both managers were forced to utilize nearly every available arm, cycling through relievers who pitched multiple high-leverage innings, severely impacting pitching availability for Games 4 and 5.
• Defensive Intensity: As the innings mounted, the defensive plays became sharper, with several potential game-winning hits being robbed by stellar outfield and infield work.
• Baserunning Precision: Opportunities were scarce, placing immense pressure on every walk, single, and stolen base attempt. The Blue Jays managed to tie the game in the middle innings, forcing the extra frames that defined the night.

By the 15th inning, the game had surpassed the typical length of a World Series contest by over two hours, relying on pitchers who had not been scheduled for duty, including long relievers and even potential starters pressed into emergency service.

Historical Context of the 18-Inning Game

An 18-inning game in the World Series is an exceptionally rare event, underscoring the high stakes and competitive balance between the two clubs. Only one other World Series game has ever reached this length:

This 2025 contest now stands alongside the 2018 epic, demonstrating the extraordinary pressure and resilience required to win a championship in the modern era of baseball. The physical and mental toll on the players, particularly the pitchers, is immense, potentially shifting the momentum for the remainder of the series.

Key Takeaways and Series Implications

This marathon victory gives the Dodgers a significant advantage, but the cost in pitching resources is undeniable. The focus now immediately shifts to how both teams will manage their depleted bullpens in the crucial Games 4 and 5.

• Historic Length: The game tied the record for the longest World Series game ever played (18 innings).
• Dodger Momentum: LA takes a vital series lead, gaining psychological momentum from the hard-fought win.
• Hernandez’s Impact: Teoscar Hernandez provided the early offense, successfully moving past his Game 2 struggles with a crucial home run.
• Bullpen Crisis: Both teams face severe pitching shortages, forcing creative management decisions for the next two games.

The Blue Jays must quickly regroup after the devastating loss, while the Dodgers must capitalize on their advantage before the fatigue of the 18-inning battle catches up to them.