Tag: MLB

Dodgers Bring Home Second Consecutive World Series Championship

Published on by Dennis Schlossman3 Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions — again. In a series that will be remembered for generations, the Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays in an 11-inning Game 7 thriller Saturday night at Rogers Centre, becoming the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to win consecutive championships. The 5-4 victory capped what might be the greatest World Series ever played — and added to the franchise’s heritage among baseball’s all-time dynasties.

An Instant Classic for the Ages

Every single game delivered drama. The 18-inning marathon in Game 3 that ended with Freddie Freeman‘s walk-off homer matched the longest game in World Series history. Toronto’s rookie sensation Trey Yesavage struck out 10 batters through five innings in Game 5. Game 6’s ending defied belief when a potential game-tying double ricocheted off the wall and a stunning game-ending double play.

And then came Game 7 — a back-and-forth battle featuring a game-tying homer in the ninth from Miguel Rojas and Will Smith‘s go-ahead blast in the 11th.

This wasn’t just great baseball. This was historic theater that showcased everything we love about October and the MLB. The Dodgers and Blue Jays pushed each other to the absolute limit, and both teams earned respect from fans across the globe for what they displayed on the field.

Yamamoto’s Historic MVP Performance

Righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t just win the World Series MVP — he authored one of the greatest pitching performances in playoff history. After throwing a complete game in Game 2 and six innings in Game 6, Yamamoto came out of the bullpen on no rest to close out Game 7. He pitched 2-2/3 scoreless innings, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth before inducing a game-ending double play in the 11th.

Yamamoto finished the series 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA across 17-2/3 innings, becoming the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 2001 to win three games in a single World Series. Yamamoto struck out 15 and walked just two. His workload was unprecedented in the modern era — pitching back-to-back games after throwing 96 pitches the night before seemed impossible.

Yet there he was, retiring Alejandro Kirk on his 130th pitch over two days to clinch the championship.

Unlikely Heroes Step Up

While Yamamoto earned the hardware, this championship belonged to everyone. Rojas hit one of the most improbable home runs in World Series history, tying Game 7 in the ninth inning when all seemed lost. And that’s not mentioning his defense in the field.

Smith followed with the game-winner in the 11th off Shane Bieber, sending Dodgers fans into delirium. Mookie Betts delivered the game-ending double play, fielding Kirk’s grounder and firing to Freeman for the final out.

Throughout the series, different players stepped up when needed. Freeman’s 18th-inning heroics. Tommy Edman‘s clutch hitting. Enrique Hernández‘s timely at-bats. Shohei Ohtani‘s performance on both sides of the ball, including an absolute showcase with the bat in Game 3.

This wasn’t a one-man show — it was a complete team effort that showcased the club’s depth and championship character.

The Bullpen That Wouldn’t Quit

Let’s address one of the club’s biggest weaknesses from the All-Star break on — the Los Angeles bullpen entered this postseason as a huge question mark. Gone were Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech, who were supposed to shoulder the brunt of the load throughout the season. The absence of Alex Vesia — who missed the entire World Series while he and his wife Kayla navigated a deeply personal family matter — left a massive void.

Yet somehow, skipper Dave Roberts made adjustments and his patchwork group found a way. Will Klein threw four scoreless innings in that 18-inning Game 3 marathon despite never throwing more than 45 pitches in a game professionally. Clayton Kershaw even entered the game to record critical outs. Blake Treinen and Roki Sasaki delivered when called upon.

Additionally, the entire bullpen wore caps embroidered with Vesia’s No. 51 throughout the series, and the Blue Jays’ relievers joined them in a touching tribute — a reminder that some things are bigger than baseball.

Cementing the Franchise’s Legacy

Three World Series titles in six years. Back-to-back championships. A roster loaded with Hall of Famers in their prime. The Dodgers aren’t just winning — they’re establishing themselves as this generation’s dynasty. Front-office boss Andrew Friedman called it the “golden era of Dodger baseball,” and it’s hard to argue.

This series had everything from historic pitching performances and dramatic home runs and marathon games to a Game 7 for the ages. The Dodgers came from behind repeatedly, won twice facing elimination and beat a Blue Jays team that won 49 comeback games during the regular season. They did it with grit, talent and an unwavering belief that they were destined for greatness.

The parade in downtown Los Angeles will be one to remember. The Dodgers are champions. Again.

And they may not be done yet.

Dodgers Face Elimination in Toronto

Published on by Dennis Schlossman1 Comment

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in unfamiliar territory. After dominating the postseason and appearing destined for back-to-back championships, they now find themselves down three games to two and heading back to Toronto one more time. What looked like a huge momentum gain after the marathon Game 3 victory has evaporated into a do-or-die situation.

The Marathon That Seemingly Meant Nothing

Monday night’s epic 18-inning saga felt like it would break Toronto’s spirit. Freddie Freeman‘s walk-off homer in the bottom of the 18th seemed to signal growing confidence among Dodger players.

Superstar Shohei Ohtani reached base nine times, setting a postseason record. The game lasted six hours and 39 minutes. The Dodgers had outlasted the Blue Jays and grabbed a 2-1 series lead.

Except Toronto didn’t break or fold. They came back less than 18 hours later and punched the Dodgers right in the mouth.

Toronto Regains Control

Game 4 exposed what we feared all along — that the Los Angeles offense can go dormant and disappear for long stretches. Shane Bieber navigated through five-plus innings, striking out Ohtani twice and holding the Dodgers to just one run. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke the tie with a two-run homer off Ohtani in the third, and Toronto never looked back. The Blue Jays’ four-run seventh inning off the Dodgers’ vulnerable bullpen sealed a 6-2 victory and tied the series at two games apiece.

Game 5 brought more of the same nightmare. Righty Trey Yesavage — the 22-year-old rookie who barely pitched in the regular season — absolutely carved up the Dodgers lineup. He struck out 10 batters through the first five innings, joining Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers to record double-digit strikeouts in the first five frames of a World Series game. Back-to-back leadoff homers from Davis Schneider and Guerrero set the tone early, and Toronto cruised to a 6-1 victory.

The Dodgers’ offense managed just six runs over the two losses. They’ve been held to a .213 batting average in this series and have gone ice cold when it matters most. Blake Snell‘s command issues seem like ancient history now — the real problem is that this lineup can’t string together quality at-bats against Toronto’s pitching.

What the Dodgers Need to Do to Win

Heading into Game 6 on Friday night at Rogers Centre, the Dodgers face elimination for the first time this postseason. They’ll turn to righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who delivered a complete-game masterpiece in Game 2. If anyone can give LA the pitching performance they desperately need, it’s Yamamoto. He’s proven he can dominate this Blue Jays lineup when he’s locked in with his six-pitch arsenal.

But pitching alone won’t be enough. The Dodgers need their stars to show up offensively. Ohtani has been brilliant at times but inconsistent. Mookie Betts and Freeman need to find another gear. Max Muncy has to provide protection. This lineup is too talented to be held to one or two runs repeatedly, yet that’s exactly what’s happened.

The bullpen must also hold up. Toronto has feasted on Dodgers relievers, and Los Angeles skipper Dave Roberts can’t afford another meltdown like the sixth inning of Game 1 or the seventh inning of Game 4. If Yamamoto can give LA seven or eight strong innings, it could play into the hands of the Jays.

Toronto’s Momentum

Make no mistake — Toronto has seized complete control of this series. They’ve won 49 comeback games during the regular season and have shown time and time again they don’t panic when trailing. They lost that gut-wrenching 18-inning game and immediately bounced back to win two straight. That’s championship DNA.

The Blue Jays head home with veteran righty Kevin Gausman lined up to pitch Game 6. Rogers Centre will be absolutely rocking. This is everything Toronto has dreamed about since 1993.

Can Los Angeles Pull Off the Improbable?

The Dodgers need to win two straight in a hostile environment against a team that’s outplayed them for two straight games. It’s possible —this roster has too much talent to count out completely.
Yamamoto can dominate. The lineup can wake up. The bullpen can hold.

But right now, the defending champions are on the ropes, and the Blue Jays smell blood. Friday night’s Game 6 will reveal whether the Dodgers have one more comeback left in them or if Toronto’s magical season ends with champagne on Canadian soil.

Dodgers Head Home After Tying Series at One Game Apiece

Published on by Dennis Schlossman7 Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers needed a hero on Saturday night to stay on pace with the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered in spectacular fashion. After Friday’s brutal 11-4 collapse exposed several of the team’s most glaring vulnerabilities, Yamamoto turned back the clock with a complete-game masterpiece to even the World Series at one game apiece. The question for the Dodgers heading home to Los Angeles: Which team will show up over the next three games?

Blue Jays Execute in Game 1

Everything we predicted in our preview column materialized Friday night at Rogers Centre. Toronto executed their gameplan perfectly — working counts, refusing to chase and grinding Blake Snell into submission. After working Snell for 29 pitches in a scoreless first inning, the Blue Jays continued to make him labor.

The Dodgers grabbed an early 2-0 lead on RBI singles from Enrique Hernández and Will Smith, but it felt fragile. Daulton Varsho erased that advantage with a fourth-inning two-run homer — the first Snell had allowed to a lefty all season. Warning signs were everywhere.

The sixth inning brought disaster. After Bo Bichette walked and Alejandro Kirk singled, Snell hit Varsho to load the bases with nobody out. Skipper Dave Roberts pulled him at 100 pitches, and the bullpen subsequently imploded.

Nine Blue Jays batters came to the plate. Nine runs crossed. Addison Barger‘s three-run blast off Anthony Banda made it 8-2, and Kirk added another two-run shot to complete the carnage. Final score: 11-4.
Toronto had exposed the Achilles’ heel — get to the Los Angeles bullpen, and watch the Dodgers crack.

Dodgers Rebound in Game 2

Saturday was a must-win, and Yamamoto knew it. He went the full nine innings, allowing just one run on 105 pitches while retiring the final 20 batters in order. It was old-school dominance against a lineup that feasts on grinding out at-bats.

The first three innings were shaky — 46 pitches through three frames with one run allowed. But Yamamoto settled down, mixing his six-pitch arsenal with surgical precision. From the fourth inning on, he was untouchable.

Smith broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh with a solo homer, and Max Muncy followed with another blast to extend the lead. Those timely long balls gave Yamamoto the cushion he needed to close out his historic performance — the first back-to-back complete games in the postseason since Curt Schilling in 2001.

Back to Los Angeles

Toronto proved they can execute their plan and punish mistakes. The Dodgers proved they still have the star power to answer back. Now comes the critical homestand.

The series shifts to Dodger Stadium for the next three games with the series tied 1-1. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball for Game 3 on Monday, followed by Shohei Ohtani making his first World Series start in Game 4 on Tuesday.

It’s the same rotation alignment that swept the Brewers in the NLCS, and Dave Roberts is banking on his aces to reclaim control of this series. After Ohtani’s historic three-homer, 10-strikeout performance in the pennant clincher, expectations are sky-high for what he can deliver on his home territory.

Former Dodger and future hall-of-famer Max Scherzer will start Game 3 for Toronto.

Dodgers Prepare for Blue Jays in 2025 World Series

Published on by Dennis Schlossman7 Comments

After bulldozing through the Wild Card, NLDS and NLCS rounds, the Los Angeles Dodgers now face their ultimate test against a Toronto Blue Jays team that just won’t go away. The defending champion Dodgers crushed the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-game sweep, but Canada’s comeback kids survived a seven-game war with Seattle, bringing to the table something that the Brewers couldn’t — an offense that punishes mistakes from opposing pitching.

Continue reading “Dodgers Prepare for Blue Jays in 2025 World Series” →

Dodgers Advance to 2025 World Series

Published on by Dennis Schlossman1 Comment

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading back to the World Series after completing a dominant four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 MLB NLCS. But the most remarkable part of this postseason run isn’t about how they’re chasing back-to-back world championships — it’s how they got there.

Continue reading “Dodgers Advance to 2025 World Series” →

Dodgers Set Sights on Brewers in 2025 NLCS

Published on by Dennis Schlossman8 Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Monday night’s National League Championship Series opener with momentum from their NLDS victory over Philadelphia and a slight rest advantage. While it took the Brewers five games to advance past the Cubs, the Dodgers wrapped up their series earlier, giving them a few extra days to reset and prepare for what could be their toughest test yet.

Continue reading “Dodgers Set Sights on Brewers in 2025 NLCS” →

Dodgers, Phillies Meet in 2025 NLDS

Published on by Dennis Schlossman8 Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies meet up again Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park in what is shaping up to be an exciting National League Division Series opener. Over the last two years, these two teams have dominated the NL regular season, making this best-of-five matchup a critical series that just happens to be occurring one round too early.

Continue reading “Dodgers, Phillies Meet in 2025 NLDS” →

Dodgers Roster: Will a Rebuilt Bullpen Boost Playoff Push?

Published on by Dennis Schlossman1 Comment

The bullpen of the Los Angeles Dodgers was by far the team’s biggest weakness this season and could be one of the primary reasons why the club is playing in the wild card without a first-round bye. With a 4.12 combined ERA and 26 blown saves, the relief crew went from what was expected to be a strength to an obvious vulnerability. Players like Michael Kopech and Brock Stewart are now out of the picture, while other arms like Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates have been struggling badly.

Continue reading “Dodgers Roster: Will a Rebuilt Bullpen Boost Playoff Push?” →

How Will Dodgers Handle Roki Sasaki?

Published on by Dennis Schlossman1 Comment

As the Los Angeles Dodgers approach the final weeks of the 2025 regular season, many questions are surfacing about a potential playoff roster. Among those in the headlines right now surround how they will handle Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese youngster who hasn’t pitched in the majors since May due to a shoulder impingement.

Continue reading “How Will Dodgers Handle Roki Sasaki?” →

More Thoughts About Saturday’s Bullpen Meltdown Against Orioles

Published on by Dennis Schlossman7 Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers have endured plenty of painful moments this season, but Saturday night in Baltimore may have been one of the most gut-wrenching collapses yet. What could have been a historic celebration instead became a meltdown by a highly underperforming bullpen.

Continue reading “More Thoughts About Saturday’s Bullpen Meltdown Against Orioles” →