Will Smith’s 11th-Inning Blast Lifts Dodgers to Back-to-Back World Series Titles

In one of the most thrilling finales in recent memory, the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied from multiple deficits to edge the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in 11 innings, clinching their second straight World Series championship on Saturday night. The decisive blow came from catcher Will Smith, whose go-ahead solo homer in the top of the 11th completed a storybook finish for a team that refused to fold.

After the game, Smith’s words captured the spirit that defined this Dodgers team. “It’s a special group of guys, man,” he told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. “We just never gave up, kept fighting.” His message, simple and steady, reflected a club that had mastered the art of staying alive under pressure.

Toronto jumped ahead early, building a 3–0 lead that had the Rogers Centre crowd roaring, but Los Angeles never blinked. The Dodgers chipped away inning by inning, their veteran core combining with emerging stars to claw back into contention. When Smith’s swing finally sent a fastball into the left-field seats in the 11th, it punctuated not just a comeback win, but a two-year run of relentless consistency.

The box score told the story of endurance: 11 hits, three home runs, and no errors for the Dodgers. Each blow — from Max Muncy’s eighth-inning shot to Miguel Rojas’ ninth-inning game-tying blast — carried the weight of a team unwilling to surrender.

1. The Turning Points That Defined Game 7

Game 7 unfolded like a heavyweight bout, with both teams trading momentum in a tense, back-and-forth struggle. Toronto’s bats struck first, taking advantage of early opportunities against veteran starter Tyler Glasnow. But Los Angeles tightened its defense, and their bullpen — the team’s biggest question mark entering the postseason — delivered under the brightest lights. The Dodgers began their climb in the middle innings, manufacturing runs through timely hitting and patient at-bats. Muncy’s two-run homer in the eighth pulled Los Angeles within one, reigniting belief in a dugout that had already weathered several emotional highs and lows throughout the series. Then came Miguel Rojas, the unlikely hero of the ninth. Down to their final outs, Rojas connected for a solo homer that silenced the Toronto crowd and forced extra innings. His shot was a reminder that this Dodgers lineup, from top to bottom, possessed the depth and experience to find answers when needed most. Still, it was Smith’s turn in the 11th that sealed the legacy. Facing a full count, the 29-year-old catcher launched a fastball deep into the Canadian night, delivering what would become one of the defining moments of his career — and Dodgers history.

2. Yamamoto’s Grit, Dodgers’ Composure Seal the Title

Behind Smith’s heroics, the Dodgers’ pitching staff delivered the steadiness that championship teams require. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, already stretched after a strong outing in Game 6, returned on zero days’ rest to record the final eight outs of the season. His dominance — 2⅔ scoreless innings to close out Game 7 — earned him his third win of the series and the World Series MVP award. Yamamoto’s final stretch was pure resolve. He worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, then retired Toronto’s final six hitters to secure the title. It was a performance emblematic of his postseason: disciplined, efficient, and fearless in the face of pressure. The 26-year-old finished the playoffs with a 1.45 ERA and only one walk over 37⅓ innings, cementing his place as one of baseball’s premier pitchers. The Dodgers’ victory also marked a historical milestone — MLB’s first back-to-back champion in 25 years. For manager Dave Roberts, it was vindication of a culture built on preparation and trust. “We’ve been through every kind of challenge,” Roberts said postgame. “What matters is how these guys respond. Tonight, they showed exactly who they are.” As the champagne sprayed across the visitors’ clubhouse, the Dodgers’ celebration carried the mix of relief and joy reserved for champions who had truly earned it.

3. A Dynasty in the Making

The Dodgers’ repeat championship may mark the beginning of a modern baseball dynasty. Their combination of star power, player development, and roster depth has allowed them to stay at the top of the sport while navigating injuries and high expectations. Will Smith’s homer, like so many moments in this postseason, reflected the Dodgers’ identity — one built on persistence and poise. From veterans such as Muncy and Rojas to new stars like Yamamoto, Los Angeles demonstrated an unshakable belief in its collective ability to deliver. For the Blue Jays, the loss was a bitter end to a remarkable season. Toronto’s 14 hits in Game 7 weren’t enough to overcome missed opportunities and the Dodgers’ resilience. Still, the series highlighted a young roster capable of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. Ultimately, the Dodgers’ championship run underscored a familiar truth: in October, experience and resolve often outweigh pure talent.