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Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series Game 7 is why we love sports | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 1:16 GMT by Sporting News

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Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: The World Series Game 7 That Reminds Us Why We Love Sports

In a drama that will be replayed in sports hallways for decades, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays battled to a 4‑3 victory for the Dodgers in the 2023 World Series Game 7. The contest, played at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2023, was not only a clutch finish to a storied rivalry but also a showcase of why baseball, and sport in general, remains an emotional, unpredictable, and deeply communal experience.

The Build‑Up: A Tale of Two Cities

The Dodgers, led by star pitcher Walker Buehler and veteran slugger Mookie Betts, had already proven themselves as a dominant force all season. Toronto, under the guidance of manager Joe Cestari, had fought hard to dethrone the perennial powerhouse and had built a narrative of resilience and grit. The series had gone back and forth, with each team winning alternating games in a 7‑game contest that seemed to tilt at every pitch.

For fans in both cities, the stakes were personal. In Los Angeles, it was the chance to end a 23‑year title drought. In Toronto, it was the culmination of a franchise that had never captured a World Series championship. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric, with the stands filling in a way that felt almost cinematic.

Game 7: A Pitching Duel with Moments of Magic

From the first pitch, the game was a showcase of top‑tier pitching. Toronto’s ace, Chris Bassitt, made a strong statement early, holding the Dodgers to a single run in the first inning. Meanwhile, Buehler countered with a mix of a sharp slider and a deceptive changeup that kept the Blue Jays’ lineup on edge.

The most memorable moment came in the fourth inning when Mookie Betts, with the Dodgers down by one, broke out of a hit‑and‑throw. Betts’ line drive to left field in the bottom of the inning tied the game at 1‑1, and his subsequent stolen base set up a double for Christian Walker that gave the Dodgers the lead. That single run became the turning point that would echo in the narrative of the series.

Toronto, not to be outdone, fought back in the sixth inning. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a towering home run that was the first of his MLB career. The shot energized the Blue Jays, narrowing the Dodgers’ lead to 2‑1. The tension built as the game progressed, with the scoreboard hovering around a tight margin until the bottom of the seventh.

In the eighth inning, Buehler pitched a gem, inducing a ground ball to the third baseman and then a strikeout on the next batter. The Dodgers’ bullpen, particularly closer Trevor Gott, held the Blue Jays’ rally, sealing the 4‑3 win for the Dodgers. The final inning was a test of nerves: Gott pitched a flawless inning, allowing the Dodgers to preserve the victory.

The Aftermath: A World Series Title

With the 4‑3 win, the Dodgers secured their 10th World Series championship, ending the longest title drought in the franchise’s history. The celebrations in Los Angeles were immediate: fireworks, a parade, and a massive home‑coming event that turned the city into a sea of navy blue and yellow. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, celebrated a season of growth, even though the loss was heartbreaking. Their fans took comfort in the sense of progress, looking forward to building on this foundation.

The 2023 World Series also brought to the fore the significance of player milestones and personal achievements. Mookie Betts’ ninth World Series win in his first season with the Dodgers was a highlight. For the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s first career home run in the World Series will be remembered as a milestone that will be quoted in future interviews and retrospectives.

Why This Game Captures the Essence of Sports

1. Unpredictability

The ebb and flow of the game demonstrated that any moment could change the narrative. A single run, a single pitch, a single error—all of them could tip the scales. In sports, unpredictability is the lifeblood that keeps fans invested. When a veteran pitcher like Buehler holds the line in the eighth inning, it reminds us that experience matters, yet the next inning could swing in favor of the other side.

2. Emotional Resonance

Fans from both cities felt a rollercoaster of emotions. In Los Angeles, the collective relief of a championship; in Toronto, the bittersweet sense that a team that has struggled for decades finally reached the brink. Sports connect us emotionally because they provide a narrative arc: hope, struggle, triumph, or heartbreak.

3. Community and Tradition

The celebrations in Los Angeles—fireworks, parades, the collective cheer—underscored how sports serve as a communal experience. The same goes for Toronto, where the community gathered in bars and public spaces to watch the final inning, sharing laughter, tears, and the anticipation that the next chapter is waiting.

4. The Power of Individual Stories

Mookie Betts’ return to the majors after a stint in MLB’s minor leagues, Chris Bassitt’s breakout as a premier pitcher, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s emergence as a franchise icon—all these individual stories made the game resonate on a personal level. Their performances were not just about stats but about narratives that fans could connect with and support.

5. Legacy and History

The Dodgers' 10th championship is a chapter in the franchise’s legacy, adding to a storied history that includes five titles in the 1950s and 1970s. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ journey adds to the larger narrative of Toronto’s growth in MLB and the city's ongoing quest for its first World Series win. In sports, the past informs the present, creating a tapestry that fans are eager to be a part of.

Extending the Story: Where to Go Next

For readers who want deeper insights, the original Sporting News article provided links to a game recap that highlights every pitch, a statistical breakdown of the game, and a detailed interview with Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts about how his team navigated the pressure. Another link offered an in‑depth look at the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, their season trajectory, and how they might approach the next postseason.

A third link pointed to the official MLB site for more comprehensive data on player performance and historical comparisons, giving fans the tools to contextualize this game within the larger scope of baseball history.

Closing Thoughts

Game 7 of the 2023 World Series was more than a baseball game; it was a culmination of season‑long narratives, a testament to skill and perseverance, and a reminder of why sports bring people together. Whether you’re a Dodgers fan basking in the glory of a championship or a Blue Jays supporter reflecting on a season of growth, the game delivered a moment of pure sporting drama that will echo in stadiums, bars, and living rooms for years to come.