The Los Angeles Dodgers are the 2025 World Series Champions after a thrilling 7 game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. A series that saw just about everything: plenty of home-runs, extra inning games, spectacular pitching and clutch plays. This series arguably could be considered as one of the best yet. But with that being said the Dodgers won the series, here’s 3 reasons why:
1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
If it wasn’t for Yamamoto’s pitching performance in game 2, 6 and 7 the Dodgers would not be champions. He dominated on the mound striking out 15 and only allowing two runs in 17.2 innings. In game 7 he got the Dodgers out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth which kept the game going. And he proceeded to pitch two perfect innings after that to win the World Series.
Yamamoto was pitching gold every time he was on the mound and rightfully claimed the World Series MVP for his performance.
2. Blue Jays lack of execution in game 6 and 7
While Yamamoto was spectacular in the innings he played, Blue Jays had their opportunities, which they failed to take advantage of. In game 6, bottom of the 8th inning they had runners on first and second with one out but Bo Bichette popped out and Daulton Varsho struck out. In the ninth a walk off situation was set up after Addision Barger hit a double which put runners on second and third with no outs. But once again they failed to get anything out of it with Ernie Clement popping out and Andrés Giménz also popping out which led to a game sealing double play.
In game 7 in the top of the ninth they had a chance to seal the game, but instead they conceded a game tying home run to Miguel Rojas. In the bottom of the ninth they had bases loaded with one out but Kiner-Falefa was tagged out at home base, and Ernie Clement got out via fly out. Then needing a run to tie the game they had runners on first and third but Alejandro Kirk ground hit resulted in the series clinching double play for the Dodgers.
All throughout the playoffs and even in this series the Blue Jays were efficient when it came to capitalizing with runners in scoring position – it’s how they blew open games. But when they needed to capitalize, they came up empty handed and as a result, the Dodgers won the World Series.
3. Their resilience and execution in the clutch
Unlike Toronto, the Dodgers executed when they needed to and did that while facing elimination. In game 6 with runners on first and second, Will Smith hit a line drive deep to left field which brought in a run. In the same inning Mookie Betts base hit brought in two runs giving them a three run lead.
Later on with the game hanging in the balance the Blue Jays had two runners in scoring position, but LA got a double play sealing the game and forcing a game 7.
In game 7 down 4-2 in the 8th inning, Max Muncy smashed out a home run bringing the Dodgers within one. Then in the top of ninth with one out gone and in need of a run to save their season, Miguel Rojas homers to tie the game. In the top of the 11th with the game tied, Will Smith delivered with a solo home run giving the LA the lead. Bottom of the 11th Blue Jays had runners on first and third with 1 out, but the Dodgers came up with a double play clinching the series.
Winners know how to win, and the Dodgers did just that. Despite being down in the series 3-2 on the road with their backs against the wall multiple times they executed when they needed to and that’s why they are the world champs.
