Will Klein's Historic Relief Performance Saves Dodgers in 18-Inning World Series Marathon

In what became the longest World Series game in seven years, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Will Klein delivered the performance of a lifetime, pitching four scoreless innings to help secure a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3. The 25-year-old right-hander, who had never thrown more than three innings in a professional game, emerged as an unlikely hero in baseball's biggest spotlight.

From Roster Addition to World Series Hero

Klein's journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. The Eastern Illinois product was added to the Dodgers' roster just before the World Series began, making him one of the team's newest additions at the most crucial time. Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Klein has bounced between organizations, spending time with the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners before landing in Los Angeles via trade in June 2025.

During his brief stint with the Dodgers in the regular season, Klein posted impressive numbers: a 2.35 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 15.1 innings across 14 appearances. However, nothing in his career had prepared him for what Monday night would demand.

Breaking Personal Records Under Pressure

Entering the game as the Dodgers' 10th pitcher of the night—setting a new World Series record—Klein faced an unprecedented challenge. His previous career high was three innings, accomplished five times in High-A Quad Cities back in 2021, and once this season with Triple-A Oklahoma City on August 30.

According to reports from Dodger Stadium, Klein threw 72 pitches over his four innings, striking out five batters while allowing just one hit and two walks. His performance was particularly crucial as the Dodgers had exhausted nearly their entire bullpen, with manager Dave Roberts later revealing that Yoshinobu Yamamoto—who had thrown a complete game just two days earlier in Game 2—was warming up in case Klein faltered.

The Defining Moment

Klein's most crucial pitch came in the top of the 18th inning with two runners on base. Facing Tyler Heineman with the game hanging in the balance, Klein delivered a devastating 3-2 curveball that left the Blue Jays catcher swinging. The strikeout preserved the tie and set the stage for Freddie Freeman's walk-off home run in the bottom half of the inning.

Shohei Ohtani's Historic Night

While Klein's pitching stole headlines, Shohei Ohtani put on an offensive clinic that rewrote World Series history books. The two-way superstar reached base an unprecedented nine times, including two home runs and two doubles—tying a World Series record with four extra-base hits in a single game.

Ohtani's performance was so dominant that Blue Jays manager John Schneider elected to intentionally walk him four times, including once with two outs and nobody on base in the ninth inning. This strategy, while unconventional, reflected the respect—and fear—that opposing teams have for baseball's most electrifying player.

A Game for the Ages

The 18-inning marathon lasted 6 hours and 49 minutes, matching the longest World Series game in history—ironically, also involving the Dodgers, when they faced the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the 2018 Fall Classic. The contest required 19 pitchers combined and saw 44 players take the field before Freeman's dramatic conclusion.

For the Dodgers, the victory gives them a 2-1 series lead heading into Tuesday's Game 4, where Ohtani is scheduled to make his pitching debut of the World Series against Shane Bieber and the Blue Jays.

The Bullpen's Redemption Story

Entering the series, many analysts pointed to the Dodgers' bullpen as their primary weakness. While their rotation—featuring names like Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell—has been nearly untouchable throughout the postseason, questions lingered about the relief corps.

Monday night provided answers. Beyond Klein's heroics, Edgardo Henriquez contributed two scoreless innings, while the bullpen collectively shut down Toronto's offense after the seventh inning. The performance demonstrated the depth and resilience that championship teams require.

Team Celebration Recognition

Following Freeman's game-winning blast, teammates made sure to recognize Klein's contribution during the on-field celebration. Video footage showed players seeking out the young reliever, acknowledging that his gutsy performance made the victory possible.

Looking Ahead

As the series shifts focus to Game 4, Klein's emergence provides Dave Roberts with renewed confidence in his bullpen depth. With Ohtani taking the mound and potentially working deep into the game, having a reliable long reliever like Klein—who proved he can handle extended work under maximum pressure—becomes invaluable.

For Klein personally, the performance represents a career-defining moment. From being designated for assignment by Seattle just months ago to earning a World Series win in one of the longest games in championship history, his story embodies baseball's capacity for redemption and second chances.

The Road to Victory

The Dodgers' path to a potential championship now appears clearer with Klein's revelation. While stars like Ohtani, Freeman, and Mookie Betts grab headlines, championships are often decided by contributions from unexpected sources. Klein's four innings of relief work may ultimately prove as crucial as any home run or strikeout in determining the series outcome.

As Game 4 approaches with the Dodgers holding a 2-1 advantage, Will Klein has secured his place in World Series lore. His performance serves as a reminder that in baseball's biggest moments, heroes can emerge from anywhere—even from a 25-year-old who was just added to the roster days before the Fall Classic began.