The Los Angeles Dodgers kept their title hopes alive on Friday with a crucial 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, extending the 2025 World Series to a decisive Game 7. The win halted celebrations across Canada, where fans had been eagerly anticipating Toronto’s first championship in more than three decades.

Facing elimination for the first time this postseason, the Dodgers delivered under pressure at Rogers Centre. Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the charge, tossing six strong innings, striking out six and yielding just one run on five hits. Offensive support came from Mookie Betts and Will Smith, who provided the key runs in a low-scoring battle.

Dramatic Ending After Controversial Call

The game’s most dramatic moment unfolded in the ninth inning when Toronto’s potential game-tying inside-the-park home run was overturned after video review. Blue Jays outfielder Justin Dean signalled the ball was lodged beneath the outfield fence, prompting umpires to rule it a ground-rule double rather than a home run. That left Toronto with runners on second and third and no outs.

Despite the threat, the Dodgers held their nerve. Reliever Kike Hernandez sealed the win with a sharp double play, snuffing out the rally and preserving L.A.’s season for one more game.

Dodgers Defy Odds, Blue Jays Seek History

Though favoured entering the postseason, the Dodgers were pushed to the brink by a determined Toronto squad few expected to challenge them over a full seven games. The Blue Jays, backed by a nation eagerly awaiting its first World Series title in 32 years, now head into Saturday’s Game 7 with renewed urgency.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, hope to become the first team in 25 years to defend their championship crown – a goal that appeared in jeopardy when the Jays loaded the bases late in the game.