In a World Series Game 3 destined for the history books, the Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic 18-inning clash. They won 6–5 on a Freddie Freeman walk-off home run.
While the headlines belong to Freeman’s late heroics, the real story centers on an unlikely source: rookie reliever Will Klein. His gutsy four scoreless innings kept the Dodgers alive in the longest game in World Series history.
The Dodgers’ bullpen looked battered, and fatigue crept in. Against all that, Klein’s performance felt nothing short of legendary.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Tested to the Limit
Entering Game 3, the Dodgers wanted to manage their bullpen carefully. The sheer length of the game made that plan impossible.
By the 12th inning, only two fresh arms remained—rookies Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein. With postseason pressure at its peak and a World Series lead on the line, the two rookies suddenly found themselves in the spotlight.
Henriquez Sets the Tone
Henriquez stepped up first. He delivered two flawless innings that kept the Blue Jays at bay.
His efficiency and composure gave the Dodgers a real shot to fight deep into extra innings. That set the stage for Klein’s heroics.
Klein’s Career-Defining Moment
Will Klein had spent most of the season in Triple-A and struggled in prior MLB appearances. He got the ball in the 14th inning.
What followed was pure grit—four shutout frames with only a single infield hit allowed. He more than doubled his career-high workload, tossing an astonishing 72 pitches.
Manager Dave Roberts praised his young reliever for his poise. He called Klein one of the “unsung heroes” of the postseason.
Veteran Contributions Amid the Chaos
The Dodgers’ bullpen, hit hard by injuries and missing Alex Vesia for personal reasons, still managed to combine for 13⅓ innings of one-run baseball. That effort included an unexpected appearance from Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw, the veteran ace, came out of the bullpen in the 12th. He escaped a jam with his hardest fastball of the year.
The Mental Battle of a Six-Hour Game
As the marathon stretched past six hours, the game tested not just the physical endurance of both teams. Their mental resilience got pushed to the edge, too.
Players leaned on quirky rituals and superstitions to keep their energy up. Everyone tried to summon the momentum for a breakthrough moment.
The Walk-Off That Sealed the Win
Ultimately, it was Freddie Freeman who broke the deadlock. Leading off the bottom of the 18th inning, Freeman connected on a towering shot that ignited Dodger Stadium and secured the win.
For the Dodgers, the dramatic victory delivered a psychological jolt. Now, they’ve got their sights set on another championship.
Klein’s Place in Dodgers Lore
Freeman’s homer will probably grace the highlight reels for years. But Klein’s role can’t be overstated.
From overlooked rookie to the guy who anchored a depleted bullpen through the heart of the night, his effort just embodies postseason baseball at its best. His emergence as a clutch performer has already earned him a lasting place in Dodgers lore.
Key Takeaways From Game 3
This was more than just a win—it was an endurance test. The game became a showcase of mental toughness and proved that postseason heroes can pop up anywhere.
The Dodgers and Blue Jays fought through every inning. Fans got one of the most unforgettable games in modern baseball history.
- Will Klein’s performance showed what happens when preparation meets opportunity, even for a rookie who hasn’t seen much MLB action yet.
- The Dodgers’ bullpen came through under pressure, even though they were missing key arms.
- Clayton Kershaw jumped in as an unexpected reliever and showed real leadership.
- Freddie Freeman’s walk-off homer locked in a huge World Series edge for Los Angeles.
- This game’s length and intensity just highlighted how unpredictable and dramatic baseball can be.
Game 3 stands out for its wild length and for the way unlikely players grabbed the spotlight. Will Klein became a new postseason icon for the Dodgers, and honestly, it’s just another reminder that in October, baseball’s full of surprises.
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Here is the source article for this story: Will Klein, the Dodgers’ last resort, is their latest World Series hero
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