World Series Game 3 breaks postseason records

The Dodgers celebrate after Freddie Freeman walk-off home run in the 18th inning Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images via USA Today

Last night's matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays became the stuff of legend when it tied a World Series record by lasting for 18 long innings, ending in a victory for the Dodgers with a 6-5 final score.

It's been a longstanding jest of America's pastime that it can last for over three hours. But the October 29 game lasted for 6 hours and 39 minutes. Lasting that long and 18 innings, it ties the record for the longest game in World Series history (Fox Sports). The Dodgers have been a part of World Series runtime history before, participating in the other record-holding game. That game, which still stands as the longest World Series game ever at 7 hours and 20 minutes, was against the Boston Red Sox in 2018 (USA Today). Also Game 3, also giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead.

Lasting for 18 innings wasn't the only record-celebrating event of the night. Dodgers pitching sensation, Shohei Ohtani, reached base nine times, making for a new all-time postseason record. He also became the first-ever player to have three games with at least two home runs in a single postseason. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman tied a record for most walk-off postseason hits, putting him up with David Ortiz, Carlos Correa, and Bernie Williams (Sportsnet).

The Dodgers currently lead in the World Series 2-1 against the Blue Jays. Game 1 results in a 11-4 win for the Blue Jays, Game 2 ended in a 5-1 victory for the Dodgers.

It takes incredible dedication to last through a game like this. Baseball players stay determined and focused no matter the duration of the game, as Will Klein summarized the mindset of commitment (The Athletic):

“We weren’t losing that game. I just had to keep going back out and keep doing that.” -Will Klein, Dodgers Pitcher

It takes a specific combination of factors to make such a game happen, and the Toronto Blue Jays are due credit for their performance as well. Davis Schneider said (The Athletic):

“I love the way we played. I love the way we fought. I think every single player had the right intentions on both sides tonight.” -Davis Schneider, Blue Jays Left Fielder

It depends not only on focus from the players, but also from the fans who stayed the entire night to watch the Dodgers and the Blue Jays make history.

Game 4 of the World Series begins in Los Angeles at 5:00 PM (PST).