UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the World Series. The dramatic showdown unfolded on July 15, 2023, at the Rogers Centre, and the excitement will continue as both teams prepare for a climactic rematch on Saturday night.
The electrifying atmosphere at the Rogers Centre peaked in the bottom of the ninth inning when a game-ending double play sealed the Dodgers’ win. Enrique Hernandez made a crucial catch on a line drive from Toronto shortstop Andres Gimenez, sending the Blue Jays’ Addison Barger scrambling back to second base. Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas tagged him out, confirming the end of the game after a tense replay review.
“Game 7. Amazing,” said Dodgers outfielder Enrique Hernandez, who played a pivotal role in this nail-biting finish. “This is what we dream of, ever since we were little kids.”
The drama unfolded with all four runs scored in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run single from struggling shortstop Mookie Betts. While the Dodgers surged ahead, the Blue Jays responded with a run from George Springer, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
As the ninth inning began, Dodgers reliever Roki Sasaki faced immediate pressure, hitting catcher Alejandro Kirk and allowing Barger to reach base. What followed was chaotic as Barger launched a fastball over Hernandez’s head that wedged beneath the outfield padding. Confusion ensued, leading to a potential inside-the-park home run that was ultimately ruled a ground-rule double, keeping the game score at 3-1.
“Dude, I didn’t have enough time to think about it,” Glasnow said, who came in to close the game. “I just thought, ‘Please don’t be a hit.'”
With the game hanging in the balance, Hernandez’s quick instincts allowed him to make the catch, ultimately leading to the double play that secured the Dodgers’ future in the series. The crowd, which had been roaring throughout the game, fell silent for a split second, giving Hernandez the clarity needed to execute the play perfectly.
The Dodgers’ victory marks a significant moment in World Series history, as they became the eighth team to execute a game-ending double play while facing elimination. The last team to achieve this feat was the 1972 Cincinnati Reds.
As the teams prepare for Game 7, both sides will look to capitalize on their strengths. The Dodgers plan to start Shohei Ohtani, while the Blue Jays will counter with veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. With everything on the line, fans are guaranteed another thrilling encounter.
“Baseball deserves a Game 7,” Hernandez added. “This has been a great, great World Series. The fact that we’re getting a Game 7 is well deserved. Both teams have played their butts off.”
Stay tuned as the excitement builds for the final showdown in this gripping World Series saga!