We are heading to Game 7!
Facing elimination in Game 6 of the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers came through. Following a change to the batting order by manager Dave Roberts, Mookie Betts, after struggling throughout the series, delivered a strong performance, and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto once again pitched a great game.
Then, in the final half-inning, Enrique Hernandez and the Dodgers’ defensive unit executed a remarkable double play to halt a rally and push the Toronto Blue Jays to a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night.
Here’s a breakdown of how L.A.’s victory unfolded, complete with in-game analysis and postgame thoughts.
Key Moments
Series now even at 3
The defining moment: Hernandez snagged a line drive off the bat of Andres Gimenez and fired it to Miguel Rojas to complete a stunning double play and end the game. The Blue Jays had runners on second and third with no outs in their last chance, after an Addison Barger double that got lodged in the outfield fence kept a run from scoring. The Dodgers then called upon Tyler Glasnow, who, with assistance from his defense, escaped the jam and forced a Game 7 on Saturday night.
Game 6 MVP: Toronto made Yamamoto exert a bit more effort this time around, yet he still managed to deliver six excellent innings, conceding only one run and skillfully navigating through traffic on the basepaths multiple times. Yamamoto’s postseason record now stands at 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA over five appearances. If his postseason journey concludes here, he has undoubtedly fulfilled and exceeded expectations for the Dodgers. This is the reason why L.A. awarded him the largest contract ever for a pitcher when he signed.
The pivotal statistic: Over the past 30 years, only five pitchers have thrown 15 or more innings in the World Series while allowing two or fewer runs: Randy Johnson in 2001, Josh Beckett in 2003, Jon Lester in 2013, Madison Bumgarner in 2014 — and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2025, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Each of the previous four pitchers saw their team emerge victorious in the World Series.
What it signifies for the remainder of the series: Blue Jays manager John Schneider was aware he had a manageable game. There was no urgency to empty the entire bullpen, and given the strong pitching performances from both sides, neither team’s relief corps suffered significant damage in Game 6. Game 7 promises to be a compelling strategic battle right from the announcement of the starting pitchers and lineups. Should the final game mirror the diverse scenes witnessed thus far, it is poised to be a memorable one. — Bradford Doolittle
