LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman has done it again.
One year after hitting the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history, he came through again for the Dodgers with a hit for the ages.
Freeman’s solo home run in the 18th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays ended a game tied for the longest in World Series history, propelling Los Angeles to a 6-5 win and a 2-1 series lead.
“It’s one of the greatest World Series games of all time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Freeman played down the epic nature of his homer to seal a game that officially lasted six hours and 39 minutes.
“I was just trying to get on base against a tough lefty, sinkerballer,” Freeman said after the marathon Game 3. “I got it to a 3-2 count and put a good swing on it.”
He said he felt “just pure excitement,” adding: “That’s as good as it gets.”
The only other World Series matchup to go 18 innings was the Red Sox at Dodgers in 2018.
Monday’s game was one of the most unique in baseball history. There were 609 pitches thrown, 19 different pitchers used, 25 position players used and 37 runners left on base.
The length was so improbable that Los Angeles starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto — who threw a masterful complete game victory just two nights ago in Toronto — began warming up in the bullpen.
While Freeman deserves credit for the decisive blow, his teammate Shohei Ohtani was equally crucial in the victory for the defending champions.
The Japanese superstar hit two home runs and two doubles early in the game — and then was intentionally walked four straight times by the Blue Jays, who preferred to face Mookie Betts and Freeman than Ohtani’s hot bat.
Ohtani reached base nine times, setting the postseason record and tying the all-time record with only three other batters (the last in 1942).
“You just don’t see that type of behavior from opposing managers,” Roberts said of Ohtani being walked throughout the game. “That’s just a sign of respect.”
Ohtani, who is also among the best pitchers in baseball, will start on the mound for Los Angeles on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET opposite Toronto’s Shane Bieber for Game 4.
Ohtani won both of his pitching matchups this postseason, allowing just three earned runs over 12 innings.
“He’s a freak. I don’t know how anybody can do what he does,” Dodgers pitcher Will Klein said of Ohtani postgame. “Just getting to be teammates with him is a great honor.”
The fact that both teams must suit up mere hours after the last one ended feels improbable.
“I’m spent emotionally, Roberts said. “We got a ball game later tonight, which is crazy.”
Their opponent was determined not to let the gutting loss define the series. “The Dodgers didn’t win a World Series today,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “They won a game.”
Now it’s time, somehow, for another.
The Associated Press contributed.
