Ohtani Snaps Slump, Sparks Dodgers to Game 6 Win and Forces World Series Decider

Shohei Ohtani finally found his swing when the Los Angeles Dodgers needed it most. After going hitless since his home run in Game 3, Ohtani delivered a crucial double in the eighth inning of Game 6 on Friday night, helping the Dodgers keep their season alive with a 3–1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Heading into the game, Los Angeles had struggled to produce consistent offense, with Ohtani’s quiet bat a glaring factor in their two straight losses. Toronto had taken control of the series with a 3–2 lead and looked poised to close things out at home. But the Dodgers’ stars responded under pressure, and Ohtani’s late hit symbolized their renewed fight.

Ohtani’s double didn’t directly produce a run but marked a turning point in momentum for Los Angeles, energizing the dugout and reminding everyone why he remains baseball’s most complete player. The two-way superstar’s breakthrough, coupled with timely hitting and dominant pitching, pushed the World Series to its final and most dramatic chapter.

With the win, the Dodgers evened the series at 3–3 and will now face Toronto in a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night — a fitting finale between two of baseball’s deepest and most resilient teams.

1. Dodgers Take Control Early with Third-Inning Burst

Los Angeles struck first and never looked back. All three of the Dodgers’ runs came in the third inning, sparked by clutch at-bats from Will Smith and Mookie Betts. Smith’s single opened the scoring, and Betts followed with a key RBI that gave LA breathing room. Toronto’s lone response came in the bottom half of the inning, when George Springer singled to drive in a run. But that would be the only dent the Blue Jays managed against the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which stifled Toronto’s lineup the rest of the way. While both teams exchanged chances through the middle innings, Los Angeles capitalized early and leaned on its arms late. The Dodgers went just 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position but made their opportunities count, showing the disciplined, situational hitting that has defined their postseason success. It wasn’t a slugfest, but it was precisely the kind of efficient, controlled game the Dodgers needed to extend the series. Every pitch and plate appearance carried weight — and Los Angeles executed when it mattered most.

2. Yamamoto, Bullpen Anchor Crucial Victory

On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto once again showed why he’s become one of baseball’s most reliable postseason pitchers. The Japanese ace threw six steady innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out six. His command and poise under pressure gave the Dodgers a foundation to build on early. Manager Dave Roberts turned to rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski and Roki Sasaki to handle the seventh and eighth innings. Both delivered scoreless frames to bridge the gap to the ninth, where Roberts made his boldest call of the night — summoning Tyler Glasnow for the save. Glasnow, typically a starter, needed just three pitches to finish the game. He forced a flyout before inducing a dramatic double play, with Kike Fernández making the game-ending assist. The quick, decisive sequence sealed the win and sent the Dodgers’ dugout into celebration. The Dodgers’ bullpen — a major question mark earlier in the series — has now become a stabilizing force. Between Yamamoto’s control and Glasnow’s dominance, Los Angeles appears to have regained the pitching rhythm it needs heading into the biggest game of the year.

3. Game 7 Awaits as Dodgers Chase Repeat Title

Saturday’s Game 7 in Toronto will decide the 2025 World Series champion. For the Dodgers, it’s another chance to defend their title and cement their standing as baseball’s modern powerhouse. For the Blue Jays, it’s an opportunity to capture their first championship in over 30 years. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts confirmed that all options — including Shohei Ohtani — are on the table for the decisive game. Whether Ohtani starts or plays a key role as a hitter, his resurgence in Game 6 could be a sign of things to come. Toronto, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly after missing its first closeout chance. The Blue Jays’ offense will need to rediscover its spark against a rejuvenated Dodgers team riding renewed confidence. After six hard-fought games, everything now comes down to one night. For both teams, Game 7 offers a shot at glory — and for Ohtani, a chance to write another chapter in an already historic career.