TORONTO — There’s nothing quite like the concluding match of a championship series. It represents pure, unadulterated randomness, a spectacle where every detail matters, filled with nervous habits, anxious anticipation, and an emotional rollercoaster. If the sport of baseball is seen as a game for intellectuals, then this final contest is the epitome of that, demanding strategic acumen, personal fortitude, and the capacity to explore one’s inner resources to perform at one’s peak. It is athletic competition in its most refined form.
Whether the ultimate face-off of the 121st championship series, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre, showcasing the Toronto Blue Jays versus the Los Angeles Dodgers, elevates the already thrilling series to legendary status is secondary. It’s the sheer potential that ignites excitement. Despite the standardized elements of baseball — the distance to the mound, the dimensions of the plate, the ball’s weight — this final game disregards conventionality.
Instead of specialized roles, pitchers become interchangeable assets, contributing to a collective effort to secure the required outs. No position in the batting order holds more significance; game-changing plays can originate from any spot, including the bench. Baseball stands apart here, the ever-present threat of defeat compelling managers to act with unparalleled urgency. This final game is a pursuit of triumph or a descent into despair, a stark dichotomy.
While other sports feature compelling final matches, baseball uniquely inverts its structure. In basketball, strategies remain consistent: prioritize the star players. In hockey, tactical approaches largely mirror previous games, with minor adjustments to player deployment. Fundamentally, it’s the same sport with slight variations.
“Even in football’s championship, while numerous events unfold, the fundamental game plan remains consistent,” observed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Baseball is distinct.”
Roberts speaks from experience, having led his team in the championship’s final game in 2017 against the Houston Astros. Early on, the Dodgers faced a 2-0 deficit. By the second inning, Houston had overwhelmed them with three additional runs. The game was far from decided, but the Dodgers faced a significantly steeper challenge. They were defeated that night, a loss still felt deeply, compounded by Houston’s illicit activities. They had the opportunity within reach, only to see it slip away.
Now, a new opportunity arises. The Dodgers intend to start Shohei Ohtani, a generational talent, on a shortened rest period for the first time. The response of his arm is a crucial uncertainty. Roberts, reflecting on the 2017 experience, understands the need to adapt to the game’s dynamics, making difficult choices with unwavering resolve. This could involve pitching changes, strategic substitutions, or trusting the players who propelled the Dodgers to this point. The exact course remains unknown until the game’s unfolding.
“I place confidence in certain players,” Roberts stated. “Proactive measures are necessary, but excessive aggression must be avoided. That’s the essence of this final game. It promises to be exhilarating.”
His counterpart shares the enthusiasm. John Schneider recently guided the Blue Jays through their league’s decisive game against Seattle. The precariousness of elimination-game baseball was evident that night. Instead of responding with appropriate urgency, Mariners manager Dan Wilson adhered to his typical strategy, keeping his premier pitcher in reserve and entrusting a narrow lead to another pitcher. One swing later, the Blue Jays seized the lead, securing victory moments later. The Mariners were left with enduring regret.
Now, the Blue Jays face another critical situation, compounded by the physical and mental toll of the preceding games. Toronto stunned the Dodgers with a dominant inning in the series opener. Los Angeles responded with a stellar pitching performance in Game 2. The marathon Game 3 will be remembered for its intensity. Ohtani couldn’t replicate his earlier heroics in Game 4, as Toronto evened the series. A rookie pitcher led the Blue Jays with a commanding performance in Game 5. Game 6 saw another dominant pitching display, punctuated by a fortunate bounce and a costly base-running error.
Now, this final game will determine who celebrates a championship and who faces a winter of disappointment.
“Legends are forged, and regrets can take root,” Schneider remarked. “We aim for the former, not the latter. We’ll empower our players to succeed. It’s remarkable that after months of preparation, everything culminates in this one game. But we wouldn’t want it any other way, and I believe we have the right players to navigate this challenge.”
“We’ll leave no avenue unexplored. But having experienced this situation before, the goal is to maintain composure and avoid hasty decisions. Players will need to deliver crucial pitches and swings. It comes down to that. Combine objective analysis with subjective judgment to make the optimal decision, and ultimately, the players will decide the outcome.”
The anticipation lies in determining which players will influence the game. How long will Ohtani pitch? And who will follow him? Will it be a pitcher whose entry prompts strategic substitutions? Or another pitcher, who secured a save and is prepared to pitch again? Or another, ready to contribute at any point?
Toronto will counter with a veteran pitcher, relying on experience and savvy. While his physical abilities may not match those of the Dodgers’ pitchers, his experience in high-stakes situations is invaluable, having started a final game in the past. In that game, he navigated challenges to keep his team within striking distance, paving the way for a comeback victory.
This pitcher will be closely monitored, and Schneider will be prepared to utilize his other starters, if necessary.
“Everyone’s ready,” Schneider affirmed. “If the game extends, we’ll adapt. We’ll address next year when the time comes.”
Schneider enjoyed a beverage and planned to relax before returning to the stadium the next day. He would spend time with his family before heading back to work.
Despite the pressures of this final game, Schneider intends to maintain a sense of normalcy. While this isn’t an ordinary game, countless championship series have concluded in this fashion, creating iconic moments. Memorable plays, dramatic victories, and historic performances define these games.
“It’s unpredictable,” Roberts acknowledged.
Spectacular, thrilling, and incomparable unpredictability.
This game is here. Let’s savor it. The pinnacle of athletic competition.
