The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in a thrilling Game 7 on November 2, 2025. The decisive match took place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto and featured a dramatic extra inning, with Will Smith hitting a go-ahead home run in the 11th inning, marking the first extra-inning homer in a winner-take-all title game.
In a contest characterized by emotional highs and lows, the Dodgers became the first team in 25 years to achieve back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees did so from 1998 to 2000. Smith’s pivotal home run came off relief pitcher Shane Bieber, who was making his first relief appearance since 2019. Smith’s swing not only shifted the momentum but also solidified his place in World Series history.
The game began with the Blue Jays taking an early lead, driven by Bo Bichette’s homer in the third inning. Toronto extended their advantage to 4-2 before the Dodgers mounted a comeback. Max Muncy’s eighth-inning solo shot off rookie Trey Yesavage reignited Los Angeles’s hopes. The tension peaked as the Blue Jays were just two outs away from their first championship since 1993 when Miguel Rojas, who had been struggling throughout the series, hit a tying home run in the ninth inning, stunning the crowd of 44,713 at the Rogers Centre.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named World Series MVP, showcased his resilience by escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth. Following a tense tenth inning where both teams faced crucial opportunities, Smith’s homer in the 11th finally put the Dodgers ahead. Celebrating his moment, Smith remarked, “You dream of those moments. I’ll remember that for forever.”
The game is now recognized as one of the longest in World Series history, lasting four hours and seven minutes, and is noted for its remarkable back-and-forth nature. Only the 1924 Game 7, which went 12 innings, and the 1997 Series are considered longer.
In the bottom of the 11th, Toronto attempted a rally, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reaching second base before the Dodgers executed a double play to seal their victory. Mookie Betts, who played a pivotal role throughout the series, initiated the double play, marking only the second time in history that a Series concluded with this defensive play.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the significance of the team’s achievement, stating, “To do what we’ve done in this span of time is pretty remarkable.” With this victory, the Dodgers now have nine championships overall and three in the last six seasons, prompting discussions about whether this era could be seen as a dynasty.
This championship also marked a bittersweet moment for veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who participated in his final game, having announced his retirement after 18 illustrious seasons. Kershaw, who lost track of the outs during the final moments, shared his emotions, expressing disbelief at the conclusion of his career.
The Dodgers’ victory is not just a testament to their skill and determination but also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, where every game can deliver unforgettable moments filled with both joy and heartbreak. As both teams reflect on this extraordinary series, the Dodgers prepare to defend their title in the upcoming 2026 season, driven by the momentum of their recent triumph.
