Shohei Ohtani once again showcased his extraordinary talent, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling World Series Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The game, which took place on Tuesday, became only the second in World Series history to extend beyond 13 innings, highlighting the intensity and drama of the matchup.
The 31-year-old Japanese superstar electrified fans by hitting two home runs, one in the third inning and another in the seventh, the latter tying the game at 5-5. These feats made Ohtani the first player in MLB history to record three multi-homer games in a single postseason.
Historic Achievements Amidst the Drama
Ohtani’s performance did not stop there. He became the first player since 1906 to achieve four extra-base hits in a World Series game and reached base seven times, thanks to three intentional walks. His prowess at the plate and on the field is backed by a staggering $700 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport.
Shohei Ohtani’s contract: $700 million over 10 years
In the National League Championship Series clinching Game 4, Ohtani’s three home runs and six shutout innings were hailed as one of the greatest performances in sports history. His ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively continues to astonish fans and experts alike.
Challenges for the Blue Jays
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays faced their own set of challenges. ALCS Game 7 hero George Springer was forced to exit the game in the seventh inning after an apparent injury. Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed concern over Springer’s condition, noting, “I feel like he’s being held together with duct tape.”
The Dodgers’ defense, featuring key plays by Tommy Edman, was instrumental in halting the Blue Jays’ scoring opportunities in the ninth and tenth innings. Despite the Blue Jays’ cautious approach, intentionally walking Ohtani multiple times, they struggled to contain the Dodgers’ momentum.
Extra Innings and Strategic Moves
The game remained tied at 5-5 through 10 innings, with both teams employing strategic maneuvers. In the 11th inning, Ohtani was walked again, underscoring the Blue Jays’ fear of his batting prowess. A single by Mookie Betts left Ohtani as the potential winning run, but he was checked by medical staff for a possible injury before the inning concluded.
In the 12th inning, the Blue Jays attempted a bunt to advance a pinch-runner but nearly suffered a double-play. The Dodgers responded with their own intentional walk, setting up a tense scenario that saw Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw escape a bases-loaded jam with a critical groundout.
Clayton Kershaw’s clutch performance: Escaped bases-loaded jam with a groundout
Climactic Finish
The game reached its climax in the 13th inning. After a lead-off double by Edman, he was bunted to third with one out. Ohtani was intentionally walked for a third time, marking his seventh consecutive time on base. Despite the pressure, the Blue Jays managed to hold the Dodgers, with Freeman flying out to end the inning.
As the World Series continues, the Dodgers’ victory in this epic game underscores their determination to secure a second consecutive title. With Ohtani leading the charge, the team remains a formidable force, while the Blue Jays must regroup and strategize for the upcoming games.
The series now heads into Game 4, with both teams eager to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this historic World Series showdown.
