Freddie Freeman delivered a stunning walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series. The game, held at Dodger Stadium on Monday night, became a classic not only for its length but also for the remarkable performances displayed, particularly by Shohei Ohtani, who hit two home runs and tied a 119-year-old record with four extra-base hits.
This contest set a new World Series record for the longest game by innings, lasting an impressive 6 hours and 39 minutes. The defending champions, the Dodgers, now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and have a chance to secure the title at home for the first time since 1963.
Freeman’s decisive home run came off Brendon Little, sending the ball 406 feet into straightaway center field. This dramatic conclusion ended a game that had seen numerous lead changes and showcased the resilience of both teams. Ohtani’s contributions were pivotal; he began with a ground-rule double, followed by a solo homer in the third inning off Toronto starter Max Scherzer, and added an RBI double in the fifth, before tying the game with another solo shot in the seventh.
In the realm of NFL action, the Kansas City Chiefs continued their impressive form with a 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to their fourth win in five games, bringing their record to 5-3. Running back Kareem Hunt scored two touchdowns, while one of Mahomes’ passes connected with Travis Kelce, tying him with Priest Holmes for the Chiefs’ all-time career touchdown record at 83.
In another significant development in sports, the NBA has initiated a review of its policies following the arrest of several players and coaches, including Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, in connection with gambling activities. The league aims to protect the integrity of the game and ensure that all players and coaches understand the associated risks. This comes in the wake of nearly three dozen arrests linked to illicit gambling schemes.
Meanwhile, in baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays faced a setback as designated hitter George Springer exited Game 3 after injuring himself during a swing in the seventh inning. He had not recorded a hit in three at-bats and left the field in visible pain. This injury adds to the challenges faced by the Blue Jays as they look to bounce back in the series.
On a lighter note, the Utah Jazz celebrated a historic moment as Lauri Markkanen became the first player since Karl Malone to score over 50 points in a game for the franchise. Markkanen’s career-high 51 points led to a thrilling 138-134 victory over the Phoenix Suns, solidifying his place among the elite in NBA history.
Lastly, the Australian government confirmed that Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde has been denied a visa to compete in the beach volleyball world championships due to a criminal record stemming from a 2016 conviction for child rape. The decision was made with community safety in mind, and van de Velde has accepted the outcome, which also impacts his teammate Alexander Brouwer.
As the sports world continues to unfold, these stories highlight both the triumphs and challenges faced by athletes and organizations alike. Whether on the baseball diamond, football field, or basketball court, the drama of competition remains ever-present.
