In a gripping showdown at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays, clinching a 6-5 victory in a historic 18-inning Game 3 of the World Series on October 23, 2023. The game featured a remarkable performance by Shohei Ohtani, who not only homered twice but also tied a 119-year-old major league record with four extra-base hits.
Ohtani’s night began with a ground-rule double to right field, setting the tone for an extraordinary performance. He followed up with a solo home run in the third inning off Max Scherzer, and contributed an RBI double in the fifth during a critical rally that allowed the Dodgers to tie the game. His second solo home run in the seventh inning drew the score level again, marking his sixth homer in the last four games. This feat tied him with Corey Seager for the most home runs by a Dodgers player in a single postseason.
The Blue Jays, recognizing Ohtani’s impact, intentionally walked him four times throughout the game, a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Ohtani’s historic nine times on base, achieved through a combination of hits and walks, made him the first major leaguer in 83 years to reach that milestone in a single game. He now shares this record with baseball legends Stan Hack, Max Carey, and Johnny Burnett, who achieved similar feats in earlier eras.
Ohtani’s Unprecedented Record-Breaking Night
Ohtani’s performance was not just about personal achievement; he made history as the first player to be intentionally walked four times in a postseason game. This remarkable statistic places him just one walk shy of the all-time major league record for intentional passes, held by Andre Dawson since May 1990. Despite being walked multiple times, Ohtani’s influence was undeniable, as he also became the first player in MLB history to record multiple games with at least 12 total bases in a single postseason—a feat previously accomplished only by Babe Ruth.
In a dramatic twist, Ohtani’s critical hits included a 389-foot drive that sparked excitement among Dodgers fans. After the Blue Jays momentarily took the lead in the seventh inning, Ohtani’s 401-foot homer to left-center brought the Dodgers back into contention. His consistent offensive output has placed him just two home runs shy of Randy Arozarena‘s record for the most home runs in a single postseason.
This victory not only highlighted Ohtani’s potential as a two-way player but also demonstrated the resilience of the Dodgers. After a grueling battle that extended into the 18th inning, Freddie Freeman delivered the decisive blow with a walk-off home run, sealing the game for Los Angeles.
As the Dodgers gear up for Game 4, Ohtani is set to make his first World Series start on the mound, further elevating the stakes of this intense series. His contributions thus far have solidified his status as a key player for the Dodgers, leaving fans eager for what he will deliver next. With six hits and five RBIs in the first three games against Toronto, Ohtani continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most electrifying talents in baseball today.
The Dodgers’ epic win marks a significant moment in this World Series, and as they prepare for the next game, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s performance on the mound only adds to the excitement.
