Will Klein Shines in Marathon World Series Game 3, Dodgers Lead 2-1

In a grueling 18-inning World Series Game 3, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Will Klein played a pivotal role, helping his team secure a 2-1 series lead over the Toronto Blue Jays, despite the exhausting seven-hour marathon.

Game 3 of the World Series saw a marathon unlike any other, with the Dodgers using 10 pitchers to edge out the Blue Jays in an 18-inning thriller. Klein was one of the standout performers, working four innings and striking out five batters. His performance was crucial in keeping the Dodgers in the game, especially as both teams stretched their bullpen resources. Following the historic contest, Klein was asked whether he was ready to pitch again in Game 4, to which he humorously responded, “As many as they need. Hopefully zero,” reflecting the physical toll of the game.

The Dodgers now lead the series 2-1, having won back-to-back games in the Fall Classic. Game 3 was a test of endurance, tying the longest game in World Series history. While Freddie Freeman’s walk-off hit in the 18th inning gave the Dodgers the win, the team’s pitching staff, including Klein, had to dig deep to cover the innings. Klein, in particular, showed resilience, becoming the longest-relieving pitcher in the game after starter Tyler Glasnow.

As the Dodgers prepare for Game 4, Klein’s efforts in Game 3 stand out as a testament to his determination, but the team is hoping to give him some well-deserved rest. Shohei Ohtani is set to start on the mound for Los Angeles, as the Dodgers aim to extend their series lead.

1. Klein’s Endurance in Historic Game 3

In an intense and emotional Game 3, Will Klein emerged as one of the unsung heroes for the Dodgers. As the 18-inning contest wore on, Klein was called upon to pitch longer than most, finishing with four innings pitched and five strikeouts. His performance was critical in keeping the game alive, especially as both teams battled fatigue and the pressure of the World Series. Klein’s ability to go deep into the game was even more impressive considering the Dodgers’ bullpen had already been taxed. While the Dodgers used 10 pitchers in total, Klein was the second-longest pitcher on the staff, only behind starter Tyler Glasnow. His perseverance under the high-stakes pressure helped the Dodgers stay competitive through a game that had already surpassed seven hours in duration. After the game, Klein reflected on the surreal nature of his outing, joking about being the last pitcher standing in the bullpen. “I was just going to go until I couldn’t,” he said, admitting that he didn’t want to leave his teammates in a bind. Thankfully, the game ended with Freeman’s walk-off, sparing the Dodgers from needing to turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was prepared to take the mound if the game had reached the 19th inning. Klein’s efforts were emblematic of the team-first mentality that the Dodgers have embraced throughout this postseason. His willingness to give everything for his team in such a high-pressure situation has earned him the respect and admiration of both his teammates and the fanbase.

2. Manager Dave Roberts Reflects on the Marathon

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was understandably emotional after Game 3’s marathon, calling it “one of the greatest World Series games of all time.” Roberts, who has seen his fair share of postseason drama, described the game as an emotional rollercoaster. With nearly seven hours of baseball played, it was clear that both teams had given everything they had to win. Roberts was particularly proud of his team’s resilience in the face of such a grueling contest. “I’m spent emotionally,” he said, acknowledging the toll the game had taken on everyone involved. Despite the exhaustion, Roberts and the team quickly turned their attention to Game 4, understanding the importance of keeping their momentum while staying focused on the next challenge. The marathon game also highlighted how well the team’s bullpen responded under duress. While the Dodgers used 10 pitchers, the Blue Jays employed 9, and the game nearly pushed both teams to their limits. It was a testament to the depth and adaptability of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, and to Klein’s resilience, who managed to pitch four solid innings despite the taxing nature of the game. With the series tied at 1-1 and the Dodgers taking the lead, Roberts will look to keep his team focused for the remainder of the series. He knows that another win could put them in a strong position to claim the championship, but the team must be prepared for a quick turnaround and the challenges that come with playing back-to-back World Series games.

3. Dodgers Look to Ohtani for Game 4

As the series heads into Game 4, the Dodgers are looking to their star pitcher, Shohei Ohtani, to help extend their series lead. Ohtani’s presence on the mound is a crucial component of the Dodgers’ strategy, especially after the taxing Game 3. The team is hopeful that Ohtani can deliver a strong performance, allowing them to rest their bullpen and potentially go up 3-1 in the series. Ohtani’s skills as both a pitcher and hitter have made him one of the most dynamic players in baseball, and his start in Game 4 is a highly anticipated moment in the series. Having already played a pivotal role in the postseason, Ohtani’s performance in this game could be the key to putting the Dodgers in a commanding position. After the emotional exhaustion of Game 3, the Dodgers are hoping for a more straightforward contest in Game 4, one where Ohtani’s pitching can help avoid a long, drawn-out battle. With a rested bullpen and Ohtani on the mound, the Dodgers will look to capitalize on their momentum and take control of the series. As the Dodgers look to build on their success, Ohtani’s role in Game 4 could prove to be a turning point in what has already been a thrilling World Series matchup. With Klein’s standout performance behind them, the Dodgers will aim for a balanced effort across the board to take another step toward the championship.