The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their place in baseball history by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in an exhilarating Game 7 of the World Series on March 24, 2024. This victory marks the Dodgers as the first team to win consecutive championships in 25 years, following the New York Yankees’ triumphs from 1998 to 2000.
The game was filled with tension as the Dodgers overcame multiple deficits, battling back from a 3-0 start and a 4-2 hole. A crucial turning point occurred in the ninth inning when Miguel Rojas hit a game-tying home run, setting the stage for Will Smith to deliver a dramatic homer in the 11th inning, giving Los Angeles its first lead of the night. Smith’s 2-0 slider, hit off Shane Bieber, sailed into the Blue Jays’ bullpen, sealing the game for the Dodgers.
Yamamoto Shines as World Series MVP
In addition to the thrilling victory, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named World Series MVP for his outstanding performance throughout the series. In Game 7, he pitched for 2 2/3 scoreless innings, stepping up after a demanding Game 6 in which he threw 96 pitches. Yamamoto’s resilience was evident as he faced a bases-loaded situation in the ninth inning, managing to escape without allowing any runs.
The Japanese ace also made history earlier in the series with a four-hitter in Game 2, marking the first complete game in the World Series since 2015. His efforts helped solidify the Dodgers’ championship, as he navigated through a tough 10th inning where he faced Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and managed to preserve the lead.
Game Highlights and Notable Moments
Game 7 was packed with excitement, including a tense moment when benches cleared after Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski hit Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez with a fastball. This incident added to the drama of an already intense matchup.
In the third inning, Shohei Ohtani, pitching on short rest, was pulled after allowing a three-run home run to Bo Bichette. Despite hitting speeds of up to 100.9 mph, Ohtani’s performance waned, contributing to the Blue Jays taking an early lead. Bichette’s homer was particularly significant as it marked his first since returning from a knee injury.
On a historical note, Ernie Clement of the Blue Jays set a major league record with 30 hits in a single postseason, surpassing the previous record of 29 held by Randy Arozarena. Clement’s performance included three hits in Game 7, highlighting his remarkable postseason journey.
As the Dodgers celebrate this historic victory, they stand out not only for their skill on the field but also for their ability to overcome adversity, becoming the first National League team to win back-to-back titles since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976. This championship will be remembered as a testament to the resilience and talent of the players and the organization as a whole.
