The Japan Times - Freeman strikes again as Dodgers down Blue Jays in World Series epic

Freeman -- who had smashed an iconic walk-off grand slam in the Dodgers' 2024 World Series win over the New York Yankees -- launched a mammoth solo shot to settle a marathon 6hr 39 min battle at Dodger Stadium.

The victory puts the Dodgers 2-1 up in the best-of-seven Major League Baseball championship series with game four due to take place on Tuesday.

Freeman's winning home-run crowned a night of extraordinary drama that saw both teams slug it out in a back-and-forth battle that resembled a heavyweight boxing contest.

The game equalled the previous longest game in World Series history, the Dodgers 18-inning victory over the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 championship, that was also won via a walkoff.

"This one took a little longer but this game was incredible," Freeman said, comparing Monday's drama to last year's grand slam winner against the Yankees.

Freeman's moment of magic -- which makes him the only player in history with multiple walk-off World Series home runs -- eclipsed an array of astounding individual performances on both sides.

Dodgers' superstar Shohei Ohtani had almost single-handedly hauled his team back into the contest, blasting two home runs and getting on base a record nine times.

Ohtani, the hitting and pitching superstar regarded by many as the greatest player in history, is due to lead the Dodgers from the pitching mound in game four on Tuesday.

"What matters the most is that we won and what I accomplished today is in the context of this game and what matters the most is we flipped the page and play the next game," Ohtani said.

"I want to go to sleep as soon as possible so I can get ready."

- 'Absolutely incredible' -

With the the two teams essentially playing the equivalent of two games back-to-back without a rest, each team burned through almost their entire pitching staff.

Dodgers reliever Will Klein was the last available arm for the world champions as the tension mounted. Klein, who had not thrown more than 36 pitches in any of his previous appearances, threw 72 pitches as he navigated the final four innings superbly to shut down the Blue Jays bats.

"Our bullpen was absolutely incredible," Freeman said afterwards. "Will Klein – absolutely incredible."

Freeman, who had seen several deep fly balls fall just short of the wall, admitted he was unsure if his winning shot would carry.

"I was not sure just because of the other couple. My swings were getting better and better as the game was going on so just glad I was able to get the opportunity again," he said.

"When you grind and fight and our bullpen and pitching staff did what they did, to have that go six hours and 40 minutes or so, that's as good as it gets."

Blue Jays manager John Schneider vowed the Blue Jays would be ready to bounce back despite the agonizing nature of the loss.

"This group is going to be ready to play tomorrow. Longest game in World Series history, whatever it is, tied for it. I mean, these guys are enjoying it. They were in the right mindset and the right head space the entire time," he said.

"It sucks that it's late right now, we got to come back and do it again tomorrow, but these guys are going to be more than ready. The Dodgers didn't win the World Series today, they won a game. These guys are going to be ready to go tomorrow."

S.Suzuki--JT