Dodgers Force Game 7 Behind Bullpen Brilliance and Timely Hitting

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced elimination Friday night at Dodger Stadium, trailing 3–2 in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. With their championship hopes on the line, manager Dave Roberts turned to Yoshinobu Yamamoto — the team’s tireless second-year ace — for a third straight complete-game attempt. But this time, the strategy took a different turn.

Yamamoto exited in the sixth inning after 96 pitches, and Roberts put his trust in the bullpen to protect a narrow lead. The decision, a bold one in a must-win situation, ultimately paid off. The Dodgers’ relievers held Toronto scoreless over the final three innings, preserving a 3–1 victory and forcing a decisive Game 7.

“This is do or die. You’ve gotta leave it all out there,” Roberts said afterward. “From Yamamoto to what [Justin Wrobleski] did tonight — we got hits when we needed to, Mookie came up big. We live for Game 7.”

The win snapped a two-game skid for Los Angeles and renewed belief in the clubhouse that a comeback was possible. Freddie Freeman, one of the team’s emotional leaders, said he “never doubted” the Dodgers’ resilience even with their backs against the wall.

1. Bullpen Shines After Yamamoto’s Early Exit

Roberts’ decision to lift Yamamoto in the sixth inning proved pivotal. Though the right-hander had completed his previous two starts, the manager chose to play it safe with a thin margin and a rested bullpen. Yamamoto’s line — six innings, one earned run, and seven strikeouts — set the tone, but the relievers finished the job. Justin Wrobleski entered in the seventh and retired all four batters he faced before Roki Sasaki took over in the eighth. Sasaki, who had struggled in his previous postseason outings, worked through early traffic but faltered to start the ninth. That’s when Roberts made his most aggressive move yet — calling on starter Tyler Glasnow to record the final three outs. “I just felt right there, Roki wasn’t as sharp,” Roberts said. “[Glasnow] is a guy that has swing-and-miss stuff, and I wanted to bet on him. He’s been champing at the bit to make an impact.” Glasnow rewarded that faith, closing out the game on a dramatic 7–4 double play that ended Toronto’s rally and preserved the Dodgers’ season. The bullpen’s combined effort — three scoreless innings with four strikeouts — was a defining statement in a postseason where relief depth has often been questioned.

2. Betts and Freeman Lead Offensive Response

While pitching stole the spotlight, Los Angeles’ offense did just enough to make the difference. Mookie Betts delivered his best performance since the Wild Card Series, driving in two runs with clutch hits that reenergized the home crowd. Freeman added two doubles and scored once, anchoring a lineup that went 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Betts, who entered Game 6 batting just .211 in the series, found his rhythm early. His two-run single in the third inning gave the Dodgers a lead they never relinquished, while his sharp fielding in the outfield added to his all-around impact. “It’s about staying in the fight,” Betts said postgame. “We’ve been through a lot this postseason, but we still believe.” The Dodgers’ depth also came through in key moments. Rookie infielder Miguel Vargas drew a crucial walk to extend an inning in the fifth, and Will Smith added an RBI single that provided insurance. Those small contributions underscored the team’s resilience — a collective effort emblematic of their season. Roberts credited his veterans for setting the tone. “Freddie, Mookie, Will — they’ve been here before,” he said. “They know what it takes to win games like this. They just refused to let our season end tonight.”

3. Ohtani Set to Feature in Game 7 Pitching Plan

As the Dodgers prepare for the winner-take-all Game 7, the team’s pitching strategy will once again take center stage. Roberts confirmed that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will be “part of the pitching plan” on Saturday, though his exact role remains undecided. “With Shohei, it could be two innings, it could be four innings,” Roberts said. “We’re going to talk to him first and see where he’s most comfortable. But he’s ready to contribute.” Ohtani, who has yet to pitch this postseason, has been limited to hitting duties while managing his workload. His return to the mound — even in a limited capacity — would provide a major boost for Los Angeles, both strategically and emotionally. Meanwhile, Yamamoto and Glasnow are both expected to be available in relief if needed, giving Roberts several high-leverage options. “Everyone’s on deck,” the manager said. “Game 7 is what you dream of — one game for everything.”