Smith’s 11th-Inning Homer Secures Dodgers’ 5-4 Victory, First Repeat Champs in 25 Years

In a historic showdown on November 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series. This remarkable match not only secured the Dodgers their ninth championship but also marked them as the first repeat champions in 25 years.

Will Smith’s Pivotal Homer

The decisive moment came in the 11th inning when Will Smith hit the first extra-inning home run in a winner-take-all World Series game. His impressive swing off pitcher Shane Bieber gave the Dodgers their first lead after trailing for much of the night.

Key Events of the Game

• Bo Bichette put the Blue Jays ahead with a home run in the third inning.
• Max Muncy’s eighth-inning solo shot brought the Dodgers closer, trailing 4-3.
• Miguel Rojas tied the game with a dramatic home run in the ninth inning.
• The game ultimately extended into the 11th inning before conclusion.

Contributions from Key Players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named World Series MVP, played a crucial role, managing to escape a bases-loaded jam. His diligent performance throughout the series solidified his position as one of the premier pitchers.

Clayton Kershaw, in his final career game, faced emotional moments as he momentarily lost track of the outs during the tense final innings.

Historic Context

This Game 7 featured intense drama and was one of the longest in World Series history. The Game matched the 1997 matchup for duration and excitement and was the second-longest Game 7 ever recorded.

Moreover, the Dodgers’ triumph established a new narrative for the franchise, echoing the successes of the 1998-2000 New York Yankees as the last teams to repeat as champions.

Reflections on the Victory

Manager Dave Roberts expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments. “To do what we’ve done in this span of time is pretty remarkable,” he remarked.

The Dodgers showcased their ability to overcome obstacles, notably coming back from a 3-2 series deficit on the road. With a roster valued at $500 million, this championship further solidifies their standing in baseball history.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, eyes turn towards the future as the Dodgers aim to continue their success in the upcoming season. Freddie Freeman, another star player, mentioned the aspirations to maintain a competitive edge as they prepare for the 2026 season.