The Dodgers pulled off a stunning comeback to win the World Series in extra innings, denying the Blue Jays a walk-off championship. The Jays were just one out away when Miguel Rojas, playing through injury, launched a game-tying home run off a full count slider. Shohei Ohtani was on deck, but Rojas did the damage himself. Toronto still had a chance to win in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with one out. A grounder to second gave them a shot, but the Dodgers’ defense came through with a throw home that just got the runner by inches. Replay confirmed the out. Ernie Clement nearly won it anyway with a deep fly ball, but a defensive replacement for LA made a ridiculous catch after running over his own teammate to keep the game tied.
The game pushed into the 11th. With two outs, Will Smith hit a go-ahead solo homer, nearly identical to Rojas’ earlier blast, to put LA ahead. Yamamoto, pitching again the day after starting, came back out for the save. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. refused to go quietly, doubling to put the tying run on second. IKF bunted him to third, and the Jays threatened again with runners on the corners. But Alejandro Kirk grounded into a double play to end it. Yamamoto sealed LA’s second straight title and silenced doubts about pitching in Ohtani’s shadow.
Toronto fans will replay the slide at home plate for years. The runner didn’t need to slide but did anyway, slowing just enough for a bobble-turned-out at the plate. The Jays also gave up a costly out with a bunt in extra innings, playing for the tie instead of the win. Meanwhile, Dave Roberts pressed every right button, from defensive subs to bullpen matchups. The Dodgers’ dugout exploded, and players sprinted to the field, capping one of the most dramatic World Series finishes in recent memory.