The 2025 World Series reached its breathtaking conclusion on November 1, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. In a contest already being hailed as one of the greatest games in baseball history, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in 11 innings. This victory secured the Dodgers' ninth championship in franchise history and their second consecutive title, marking the first time a team has successfully defended the World Series crown since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.

The decisive Game 7 was a microcosm of a series characterized by historical anomalies, individual brilliance, and tactical chess matches. From a legendary starting pitcher matchup to extra-inning heroics, the night provided a definitive end to the 2025 MLB season.

Who won Game 7 of the 2025 World Series?

The Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 7 of the 2025 World Series with a final score of 5–4. The game lasted 11 innings and saw the Dodgers overcome a late-inning deficit to clinch the championship 4 games to 3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was awarded the World Series MVP after delivering a heroic performance in relief just one day after a dominant start in Game 6.

The Pitching Matchup for the Ages: Ohtani vs. Scherzer

The atmosphere in Toronto was electric as two icons of the sport took the mound for the winner-take-all finale. The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to Shohei Ohtani, who was making his first-ever professional start on just three days of rest. Opposing him was the veteran Max Scherzer, pitching for the Blue Jays and becoming the oldest pitcher to ever start a World Series Game 7.

Scherzer, a familiar face in October drama, looked to replicate his 2019 Game 7 success. Ohtani, meanwhile, was chasing the one thing missing from his legendary resume: a clinching performance on the mound in the Fall Classic.

Early Dominance and the First Strike

The first two innings were a masterclass in high-stakes pitching. Ohtani utilized a devastating sweeper to escape a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the second, striking out Andrés Giménez to keep the game scoreless. Scherzer responded in kind, navigating a potent Dodgers lineup with surgical precision.

However, the deadlock broke in the bottom of the third. George Springer ignited the Toronto crowd with a leadoff single, followed by a walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With two runners on, Bo Bichette connected on a 96-mph fastball from Ohtani, sending a towering three-run home run into the left-field stands. The Rogers Centre erupted as Toronto took an early 3–0 lead, and Ohtani was removed from the game after just 2.1 innings, having surrendered five hits and three runs.

Mid-Game Tensions and the Benches-Clearing Incident

As the Dodgers looked to chip away at the lead, the intensity spilled over in the fourth inning. Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski, tasked with keeping the game within reach, threw several inside pitches to Toronto’s Andrés Giménez. After nearly being hit twice, the third pitch caught Giménez on the arm.

Words were exchanged, leading to both benches and bullpens clearing. While no punches were thrown, the incident highlighted the raw nerves of a Game 7. Notably, Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman was seen in a heated verbal spat with several Dodgers players. Once order was restored, the Dodgers began their slow climb back into the game.

Trading Blows in the Middle Innings

The Dodgers got on the board in the fifth when Mookie Betts scored on a sacrifice fly by Tommy Edman. Toronto quickly answered in the sixth. Ernie Clement singled, stole second, and was driven home by a Giménez double, extending the Blue Jays' lead to 4–2. At that point, ESPN’s win probability index gave the Blue Jays an 88% chance of ending their 33-year championship drought.

The Miracle in the Ninth: Miguel Rojas and Andy Pages

The eighth inning saw Max Muncy hit a solo home run off Toronto’s Trey Yesavage, narrowing the gap to 4–3. Toronto manager John Schneider then summoned his closer, Jeff Hoffman, for a four-out save.

The Home Run No One Expected

With one out in the top of the ninth and the Dodgers down to their final two outs of the season, Miguel Rojas stepped to the plate. Rojas, who had been inserted into the lineup primarily for his defense and had not recorded a hit since the Wild Card round, defied the odds. On a 2-2 count, he launched a Hoffman slider over the wall in left-center field.

The silence that fell over the Toronto crowd was deafening. Rojas became the first player in MLB history to hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning or later of a World Series Game 7. The score was 4–4, but the drama was only beginning.

The Catch that Saved the Season

In the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Jays had a golden opportunity to walk it off. With the bases loaded and one out, Daulton Varsho hit a sharp grounder to Rojas at second. Rojas stumbled but recovered to throw home, forcing out the runner.

With two outs and the bases still loaded, Ernie Clement hit a soaring fly ball to deep left-center. It looked like a certain game-winner. However, Andy Pages, who had been put in as a defensive replacement, tracked the ball 121 feet in just 5.5 seconds. Pages collided violently with left fielder Enrique Hernández but maintained his grip on the ball for the third out. It was a play of sheer desperation and skill that sent the game into extra innings.

Extra Innings: Will Smith and the Final Stand

The tenth inning remained scoreless, as both bullpens worked out of minor jams. In the top of the eleventh, Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who had been quiet for much of the series, faced Toronto’s Seranthony Domínguez. Smith connected on a first-pitch sinker, driving it into the second deck for a solo home run. It was the first go-ahead home run ever hit in extra innings of a World Series Game 7.

Yamamoto’s Iron Man Close

The most remarkable story of the night was Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite throwing 96 pitches the previous night to win Game 6, Yamamoto told manager Dave Roberts he was ready to go. He entered in the ninth and stayed for the eleventh.

In the bottom of the eleventh, with the heart of the Blue Jays order looming, Yamamoto showed why the Dodgers invested over $300 million in his arm. He induced a flyout from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and finished the game by coaxing a double-play ball from Alejandro Kirk. As the ball landed in Freddie Freeman’s glove at first base, the Dodgers began their celebration on Toronto's turf.

Analysis of the 2025 World Series Results

The Dodgers' victory in 2025 is significant for several reasons. It cements their status as a modern-day dynasty, having won titles in 2020, 2024, and 2025.

Key Statistical Takeaways

  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Historic Run: Yamamoto finished the series with a 3-0 record and a 1.02 ERA. He is only the 14th pitcher to record three wins in a single World Series and the first since Randy Johnson in 2001.
  • Home Field Disadvantage: This was only the second time in history that a visiting team won a World Series Game 7 in extra innings.
  • The Power of the Bench: The contributions of Miguel Rojas and Andy Pages—players who were not the primary stars of the roster—underscored the depth of the Dodgers' organization.

Why the Blue Jays Fell Short

Toronto fans will likely point to the ninth inning as the moment the dream died. Specifically, the decision to keep Isiah Kiner-Falefa close to third base on the bases-loaded grounder was criticized by analysts. A larger lead might have allowed him to score before the force out at home. Additionally, the bullpen's inability to hold a two-run lead in the final two innings proved fatal against a Dodgers team that refused to quit.

Summary of the 2025 World Series Game 7

The 2025 World Series ended with the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in 11 innings. The game was marked by Bo Bichette's early three-run homer, a game-tying blast by Miguel Rojas in the 9th, and a game-winning homer by Will Smith in the 11th. Yoshinobu Yamamoto's iron-man relief appearance earned him the MVP award as the Dodgers became back-to-back champions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was the MVP of the 2025 World Series?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named the World Series MVP. He achieved three wins during the series, including closing out Game 7 on zero days' rest.

What was the final score of Game 7?

The final score was Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Toronto Blue Jays 4. The game went to 11 innings.

How many World Series titles do the Dodgers have now?

With their 2025 victory, the Dodgers now have nine World Series championships (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988, 2020, 2024, and 2025).

Where was Game 7 of the 2025 World Series played?

The game was played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada, as the Blue Jays held home-field advantage due to a better regular-season record.

Did Shohei Ohtani win the MVP?

While Shohei Ohtani was the NLCS MVP, the World Series MVP honors went to his teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, for his historic pitching performance.