The stakes of postseason baseball are invariably high, but when a World Series is deadlocked at one game apiece, the pivotal Game 3 takes on outsized significance. Historically, when a Fall Classic is tied 1-1, the victor of Game 3 proceeds to win the series a remarkable 70% of the time. As captured in the highlights above, the Blue Jays and Dodgers locked horns in precisely this high-pressure scenario, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that would inevitably shift the momentum.
Pitching Prowess: Glasnow vs. Scherzer in the Game 3 Showdown
The strategic battle in any World Series contest often begins on the mound, and Game 3 was no exception, featuring an electrifying matchup between two formidable hurlers: Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers and Max Scherzer for the Blue Jays. Glasnow, renowned for his towering 6’8″ frame and explosive power arsenal, took the hill for Los Angeles. His downhill delivery, coupled with a devastating array of pitches—a blazing fastball, a sharp curveball, and a deceptive slider, with the sinker adding another dimension—presents a truly daunting challenge for opposing hitters. The illusion created by his fastball riding high, immediately followed by a breaking ball dropping off the table, is a testament to his elite stuff.
Conversely, the Blue Jays countered with the seasoned veteran Max Scherzer, a pitcher whose resume includes five World Series starts with four different franchises, a testament to his longevity and competitive fire. This distinction places him in rarefied air, with only Lonnie Smith, a position player, having appeared in the Fall Classic with more distinct teams. Scherzer’s “Mad Max” persona is built on relentless competition and an unwavering will to win. Despite a regular season stat line that included giving up 19 home runs in 17 starts—a statistic the Dodgers were undoubtedly aware of—his ability to perform under pressure is legendary.
Glasnow’s Dominant Opening Frames
Adrenaline is a tangible force in postseason baseball, and Tyler Glasnow harnessed it perfectly in the early innings. Despite facing the boos directed at George Springer—a pointed reminder of the 2017 Houston Astros scandal, a narrative element that has long resonated with Dodger fans—Glasnow remained composed. He immediately struck out Springer swinging on a 98 MPH fastball, electrifying the crowd and setting a tone for his outing. This early K, particularly given the context, was a significant psychological boost for the Dodgers and their faithful.
Moreover, Glasnow navigated the first inning with remarkable efficiency, retiring the side in order on just eight pitches. This quick, clean frame included a pop-up to Kiké Hernandez in foul territory from Nathan Lukes and a routine fly-out from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Teoscar Hernandez in right field. Stranding runners, especially against a potent lineup like the Blue Jays, is paramount. Glasnow demonstrated exceptional command and poise, showcasing why he is considered one of the game’s elite power arms.
Scherzer’s Resiliency Against Early Pressure
Max Scherzer’s outing, while beginning with a jolt, quickly demonstrated his veteran savvy. Facing Shohei Ohtani to lead off the bottom of the first, Scherzer surrendered an automatic double down the right-field line. This immediately placed the Dodgers in a prime scoring position, creating significant early pressure. Teams that manage to make an early statement often dictate the game’s flow, and Ohtani’s double provided precisely that opportunity for the Dodgers.
Nonetheless, Scherzer showcased his renowned ability to minimize damage. He subsequently induced a pop-up from Mookie Betts, an impressive play by Barger tracking it down, and a one-handed catch by Ernie Clement on a Freddy Freeman pop-up. Max then capped off the inning by striking out Will Smith on a curveball, stranding Ohtani at second. This escape act was a crucial early psychological victory for Scherzer, preventing the Dodgers from capitalizing on their leadoff double and keeping the game scoreless.
Offensive Fireworks and Controversial Calls
The middle innings of Blue Jays vs. Dodgers World Series Game 3 brought both offensive breakthroughs and a moment of high controversy, underscoring the unpredictable nature of postseason play. The intensity of World Series baseball often pushes players to their physical and mental limits, where every call and every swing carries immense weight.
Blue Jays Mount a Threat, Umpire Intervenes
The Blue Jays offense began to find its rhythm in the second inning. Bo Bichette, making only his second appearance since September 6th, lined a patent Bichette line drive to dead center, marking his second hit of the playoffs. This hit immediately put pressure on Glasnow, a recurring theme for Toronto’s offense throughout their postseason run. However, the momentum was abruptly halted by an extraordinary and highly contentious umpire decision.
With Dalton Varsho at the plate and Bichette on first, a 3-2 pitch appeared to be ball four to many, including Bichette, who casually wandered off first base. To everyone’s astonishment, home plate umpire Mark Wegner called strike two, making it a live ball and resulting in Bichette being tagged out. This bizarre play, which even the announcers admitted they had “never seen before,” caused clear frustration for the Blue Jays dugout, though manager John Schneider wisely refrained from an immediate heated argument given the early stage of the game. Despite the setback, Varsho eventually walked, and Alejandro Kirk followed with a single, putting runners on the corners with one out. Glasnow, however, ultimately stranded them, striking out Addison Barger and getting Ernie Clement to fly out, maintaining the scoreless tie.
Teoscar Hernandez Breaks the Stalemate
The Dodgers finally broke the scoreless tie in the third inning, largely due to a monumental swing from Teoscar Hernandez. Coming into Game 3, Hernandez was mired in a significant slump, going 0 for 7 with five strikeouts in the series and batting just .148 (4 for 27) in recent games. This rough patch had many questioning his plate approach, as he was observed “chasing and flailing at pitches out of the zone.”
However, baseball has a peculiar way of delivering redemption, and Teoscar Hernandez provided a textbook example. He drilled a Max Scherzer curveball deep to left field for a home run, erupting the Dodger Stadium crowd and giving Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. This dramatic turnaround showcased the full spectrum of Hernandez’s capabilities, transforming from a strikeout-prone hitter in Game 2 to a game-changing power bat in Game 3. Max Scherzer, for his part, likely regretted the pitch selection, perhaps wishing he had opted for a slider against a batter known to swing below the zone, rather than a curveball that Hernandez could elevate. This home run underscored a critical postseason statistic: teams that outhomer their opposition in these playoffs boasted an impressive 26-5 record, highlighting the impact of the long ball in October baseball.
Rounding the Bases: Your World Series Game 3 Q&A
What game is this article discussing?
This article discusses highlights from Game 3 of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why was Game 3 important in this World Series?
Game 3 was very important because historically, the team that wins Game 3, when a World Series is tied 1-1, often goes on to win the entire series.
Who were the starting pitchers for each team in Game 3?
Tyler Glasnow pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Max Scherzer pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays.
What was a major offensive play for the Dodgers?
Teoscar Hernandez hit a home run for the Dodgers in the third inning, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the game.
Was there any unusual or controversial moment during the game?
Yes, there was a controversial umpire call where a Blue Jays runner was tagged out after a pitch was called a strike, even though many, including the runner, thought it was ball four.