Dodgers edge Blue Jays 3-1 to set up World Series decider

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Los Angeles Dodgers stayed alive in the World Series after a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night, setting the stage for a nail-biting Game 7. The defending champions, facing elimination for the first time this postseason, delivered when it mattered most.

Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto led from the front, pitching six impressive innings while allowing just one run on five hits and striking out six. Backed by key hits from Mookie Betts and Will Smith, the Dodgers managed to keep their season alive and silence what was nearly a championship celebration in Canada.

Los Angeles struck first in the third inning, with Will Smith driving in a run on a double before Betts followed with a clutch two-run single to make it 3-0. Toronto hit back in the bottom of the inning when Addison Barger’s double set up George Springer’s RBI single, cutting the lead to two.

The Blue Jays looked ready to tie the game in the ninth with an unusual play. A deep drive that appeared to be an inside-the-park homer was ruled a ground rule double after video review showed the ball was stuck beneath the outfield fence. What could have been a game-tying moment turned into heartbreak for Toronto.

With runners on second and third and no outs, the Dodgers’ defense stood tall. Ernie Clement popped out, Andres Gimenez lined out, and Kike Hernandez completed a sharp double play to end the threat and secure the win.

The eighth inning also saw tension rise as Roki Sasaki shut down a Toronto rally by retiring Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho in quick succession.

The game briefly paused in the sixth inning when a fan carrying a U.S. flag ran onto the field but was swiftly detained by security.

The victory means the Dodgers have forced a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Saturday night in Toronto. With both teams fighting for history — the Dodgers chasing a repeat title and the Blue Jays seeking their first championship in 32 years — baseball fans can expect an electrifying finale.