Inside the Madness of Game 3: Dodgers, Blue Jays Deliver a World Series Classic for the Ages
If you thought fans were the only ones riding the emotional rollercoaster that was Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, think again. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman lived every pitch with the same heart-pounding intensity as the rest of us-and maybe even more.
In a revealing interview, Friedman admitted he got so caught up in the chaos of the 18-inning epic that he may or may not have spiked a barstool in frustration. And really, who could blame him?
The moment that pushed him over the edge? Will Smith launching a ball to center field that looked destined for the seats-until Daulton Varsho tracked it down and stole what could’ve been a game-winner.
“I had to remind myself to breathe,” Friedman said. “It was that kind of night.”
Six Hours, 39 Minutes of Pure October Drama
Game 3 wasn’t just long-it was historic. Clocking in at six hours and 39 minutes, it tied the record for the longest game by innings in World Series history. And it wasn’t just a marathon; it was a masterpiece.
Freddie Freeman finally ended the madness in the bottom of the 18th with a walk-off home run, sending Dodger Stadium into a frenzy and putting a stamp on one of the most unforgettable postseason games in recent memory.
Then there was Shohei Ohtani, who somehow managed to outdo even the sky-high expectations that follow him everywhere. The two-way superstar went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two doubles, and five walks.
Yes, five walks. He reached base nine times in a single game.
That’s not just elite-it’s historic. Ohtani wasn’t just in the middle of everything; he was everything.
Kershaw’s Final World Series Chapter
Clayton Kershaw, making his lone appearance of the 2025 World Series, delivered a clutch moment in the 12th inning that reminded everyone why he’s headed to Cooperstown. With the bases loaded and no margin for error, the veteran lefty worked his way out of the jam and kept the Dodgers alive.
It wasn’t a long outing, but it was vintage Kershaw-gritty, composed, and timely. In what could be his final Fall Classic appearance, he gave the Dodgers exactly what they needed, exactly when they needed it.
Will Klein: The Unsung Hero
Every epic needs an unexpected hero, and for the Dodgers, that was Will Klein. The last man standing in the bullpen, Klein came in and delivered four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and picking up the win. In a game where every pitch felt like life or death, Klein’s poise and execution were nothing short of remarkable.
He wasn’t the name on everyone’s lips heading into Game 3, but by the end of it, he was the guy who held the line when it mattered most.
Front Office Fire, Fan-Level Passion
Friedman’s barstool moment wasn’t just a funny anecdote-it was a window into the emotional investment that runs through every level of the Dodgers organization. From the front office to the dugout to the fans in the bleachers, everyone was all-in.
Game 3 wasn’t just a baseball game. It was a test of endurance, willpower, and belief. And for the Dodgers, it was a defining moment in a series that had already delivered more twists and turns than anyone could’ve scripted.
What’s Next for the Dodgers in 2026?
After a game like that, it’s fair to ask: what’s next?
The Dodgers enter 2026 with momentum, talent, and a clubhouse that’s battle-tested. With stars like Ohtani rewriting the record books and veterans like Freeman and Kershaw still delivering in the clutch, this team isn’t just built to compete-they’re built to win.
If Game 3 was any indication, 2026 could be another year of unforgettable October moments in Los Angeles. Buckle up.