Dodgers Defeat Blue Jays 3–1 to Force Decisive Game Seven in World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers kept their championship hopes alive on Friday night, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 3–1 in Game Six of the World Series. Powered by a three-run third inning and another strong outing from ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the defending champions forced a decisive Game Seven in Toronto.

The Dodgers, chasing Major League Baseball’s first back-to-back title in 25 years, fended off a dramatic ninth-inning rally from the Blue Jays to even the best-of-seven series at three games apiece. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, will now have one final chance on Saturday to claim their first championship in 32 years.

Yamamoto Dominates, Dodgers’ Bullpen Holds Firm

Yamamoto delivered another composed performance, following up his complete-game victory in Game Two with six effective innings on Friday. The Japanese right-hander allowed one run on six hits, striking out six and walking one before turning the game over to the bullpen.

“I was ready for another inning,” Yamamoto said after the game. “But my job was to protect our lead and trust the guys behind me.”

Reliever Justin Wrobleski handled the seventh, while Roki Sasaki and Tyler Glasnow combined to close out the game in the ninth after the Blue Jays threatened with runners on second and third and no outs. Glasnow, originally scheduled to start Game Seven, induced a flyout from Ernie Clement before Enrique “Kiké” Hernández made a game-saving catch in left field and doubled off Addison Barger at second to seal the win.

“That was crazy,” said Mookie Betts, who helped orchestrate the third-inning rally. “I thought it was going to drop, but Kiké made an unbelievable play. His instincts are incredible.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended his decision to bring in Glasnow in a critical relief role. “This is do-or-die baseball,” Roberts said. “Roki wasn’t as sharp, and Glas had the stuff we needed in that moment. You’ve got to trust your gut.”

Betts, Smith Deliver in Third-Inning Surge

The Dodgers’ offense came alive in the third inning after Tommy Edman doubled and Shohei Ohtani was intentionally walked. Will Smith lined a double to score Edman, and Betts — moved down to fourth in the batting order after struggling earlier in the series — followed with a two-run single to left field.

“I just found a way to lock in,” Betts said. “You can’t think about what’s happened before. You just have to focus on the moment.”

Toronto’s George Springer, returning from injury, brought one run back with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning, but that was all the Blue Jays could muster.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised his team’s fight despite the loss. “I always like our chances,” he said. “It just didn’t work out tonight. Baseball happens sometimes.”

With the series tied at 3–3, Game Seven on Saturday promises high drama, with Shohei Ohtani expected to play a key role in the Dodgers’ pitching plans as Los Angeles looks to secure back-to-back championships.