URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events during Game 3 of the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays made a controversial decision to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani multiple times, culminating in an exhausting 18-inning marathon against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game ended with a heartbreaking 6-5 loss for Toronto late Monday night.
Ohtani reached base a record nine times, including four consecutive intentional walks, highlighting the Blue Jays’ shift in strategy after the star player went 4-for-4 early in the game. This included two doubles and two home runs, one of which tied the game in the seventh inning. Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged the effective but risky tactic, stating, “You just kind of take the bat out of his hands.”
The decision to walk Ohtani was a direct response to his dominant performance, which forced Schneider to adapt after a failed pitch attempt in a one-run game. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world to just walk him and face Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman,” Schneider noted. “But sometimes you have to execute at a high level.” The strategy ultimately did not unravel the Blue Jays’ relief staff, who managed to contain the Dodgers until Freeman’s walk-off home run in the 18th inning.
Following the grueling loss, the Blue Jays are under pressure to regroup quickly as they prepare for Game 4. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa expressed determination, saying, “Down 2-1 isn’t as bad as being down 2-0. It’s just another thing we have to overcome.” The team remains focused on the next challenge, especially with the uncertainty surrounding veteran player George Springer, who exited the game with discomfort in his right side.
Schneider remains confident in his team’s mindset, emphasizing that their loss does not define their championship aspirations. “The Dodgers didn’t win the World Series today — they won a game,” he said. The players are ready to bounce back, with many expressing their readiness to contribute in Game 4. “It’s the World Series. No one wants to miss an inning,” reliever Eric Lauer stated, highlighting the urgency of the upcoming matchup.
This historic Game 3 not only tested the Blue Jays’ mental toughness but also set a record for the number of players used in a single World Series game, with all but three players making an appearance. As they prepare for the next game, the Blue Jays are not only focused on winning but also on maintaining their competitive spirit in the face of adversity.
The next game is critical for both teams, with the Dodgers needing just two more victories to claim the championship. As tensions rise, the spotlight remains on how the Blue Jays will adapt their strategy and whether they will continue to walk Ohtani in hopes of stifling his impact.
Stay tuned for further updates as the series progresses, with Game 4 set to take place on Tuesday, promising more thrilling baseball action.
