Dodgers Repeat Champions: Will Smith’s 11th-Inning HR Wins Game 7 Thriller

T(caps)ORONTO — The Rogers Centre crowd fell completely silent as Will Smith rounded the bases. His powerful solo home run off Shane Bieber in the top of the 11th inning turned a tense Game 7 into an unforgettable moment, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series once again.

The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in a dramatic finish that secured their second straight championship. The game had everything — comebacks, clutch hitting, and heroic pitching — making it one of the most thrilling finales in baseball history.

Smith’s Historic Home Run in Extra Innings

Will Smith made history by hitting the first-ever extra-inning home run in a winner-take-all Game 7 of the World Series. His homer came just when the Dodgers needed it most, breaking a 4-4 tie and stunning the home crowd.

Miguel Rojas had earlier tied the game in the ninth inning with a solo home run, hitting it to nearly the same spot where Joe Carter once celebrated Toronto’s championship in 1993. This time, however, the heartbreak belonged to the Blue Jays.

Yamamoto Named World Series MVP

Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered another brilliant performance to close out the game. On zero days’ rest, he came in during the 11th inning and shut down the Blue Jays, leaving the tying run stranded at third base.

The final play came when Alejandro Kirk grounded into a double play, sealing the Dodgers’ victory and sparking a wild celebration on the mound.

“This is a special group of guys,” Smith said after the game. “We never gave up. We kept fighting, taking great at-bats, and finally broke through. That was a tough fight — Toronto’s a great team.”

Blue Jays Fall Just Short of Their First Title Since 1993

The Blue Jays were just two outs away from their first World Series crown in over three decades. Their fans believed after Bo Bichette’s three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning put them ahead. The energy in Rogers Centre was electric, but the Dodgers’ late-inning resilience changed everything.

Toronto added another run in the sixth when Ernie Clement slid home on an Andrés Giménez double, extending the lead to 4-2. However, tensions rose when Giménez was hit by a pitch, leading to both benches clearing.

Veteran Pitchers Battle Through Game 7

Game 7 featured a fascinating matchup between two baseball legends at different points in their careers:

• Shohei Ohtani — pitching on short rest after serving as designated hitter the previous night.
• Max Scherzer — 41 years old, became the oldest Game 7 starter in World Series history.

Neither was at full strength, but both showed grit and determination. Ohtani allowed Bichette’s big blast in the third, which ended his night early. Scherzer fought through several tough innings before handing the ball over to the bullpen.

Dodgers Show Why They’re Champions

The Dodgers entered the season as heavy favorites, but their road to the title wasn’t easy. Toronto pushed them to the limit in every game, including an 18-inning marathon in Game 3. Still, Los Angeles found ways to respond — with pitching depth, powerful bats, and the never-give-up attitude that defines champions.

Their victory made them the first MLB team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the New York Yankees (1998–2000) — a true mark of baseball excellence.

A Classic World Series for the Ages

This World Series had everything fans could hope for — dramatic finishes, emotional moments, and baseball history being made. The Dodgers’ Game 7 win will go down as one of the greatest championship games ever played, with every inning filled with suspense and heart.

“Baseball doesn’t get better than this,” said one commentator. “Two great teams, extra innings in Game 7 — this was pure magic.”

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Final Score: Dodgers 5, Blue Jays 4
• Game Duration: 11 innings
• Series Result: Dodgers win World Series 4–3
• Will Smith: Go-ahead HR in 11th inning (first in World Series Game 7 history)
• Miguel Rojas: Game-tying HR in 9th
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Named World Series MVP

Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers have cemented their legacy as one of baseball’s modern dynasties. Will Smith’s extra-inning blast and Yamamoto’s clutch pitching sealed a legendary Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. While Toronto’s wait for a title continues, both teams delivered a classic showdown that fans will remember for decades.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who hit the winning home run for the Dodgers in Game 7?

Will Smith hit the go-ahead solo home run in the top of the 11th inning, securing the Dodgers’ World Series victory.

What was the final score of Game 7?

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in an 11-inning thriller.

Who was named the 2025 World Series MVP?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the MVP title for his clutch pitching performance in Game 7 on zero days’ rest.

Which Blue Jays player hit a home run in Game 7?

Bo Bichette hit a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning, giving Toronto an early lead.

When was the last time a team repeated as World Series champions?

The last MLB team to repeat before the Dodgers was the New York Yankees, who won three in a row from 1998 to 2000.

Where was Game 7 of the 2025 World Series played?

The decisive Game 7 was held at Rogers Centre in Toronto, home of the Blue Jays.

How did the Dodgers finish the game?

The Dodgers turned a game-ending double play after Alejandro Kirk’s ground ball, sealing their championship win.

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Tags: Dodgers, Blue Jays, Will Smith HR, World Series 2025, MLB Game 7