Get ready for the baseball showdown of a lifetime—where dreams hang by a thread and one team's history could be rewritten in an instant. The Dodgers and Blue Jays have battled through heart-pounding drama, including that epic 18-inning slugfest, pushing their limits in every way imaginable. But hold onto your hats, because Game 7 promises to elevate the intensity to new heights, with both squads unleashing everything they've got for a shot at World Series glory.
And this is the part most people miss: It's been six long years since we've seen a decisive Game 7, last witnessed in 2019 when the Nationals edged out the Astros. Tonight, on Saturday at Rogers Centre, the first pitch is slated for 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, broadcasted live on FOX. For those tuning in from the US, MLB.TV offers streaming options, but you'll need to verify with a participating Pay TV provider. Internationally, catch it live outside of Canada, where Sportsnet handles the English commentary for all postseason action, and TVA Sports covers the AL postseason plus the World Series in French, with RDS managing the NL side.
Now, let's dive into the storylines that have everyone buzzing. The Blue Jays are on a Cinderella run, clawing back from a dismal last-place finish in 2024 to potentially claim their first championship since 1993—talk about a transformation! Meanwhile, the Dodgers are gunning for something legendary: becoming MLB's first repeat winners since the Yankees' dynasty from 1998 to 2000. These narratives aren't just hype; they're fueled by the raw emotion of a single game deciding it all, where new legends are born and bullpens become the unsung heroes.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair to call the Dodgers heavy favorites when the Blue Jays have proven so evenly matched, flipping the script with those dominant wins in Los Angeles? Some fans argue the Jays' underdog spirit gives them an edge, while others say the Dodgers' star power is unbeatable. What do you think—does experience trump momentum, or vice versa?
As always in a Game 7, expect the bullpen wars to steal the show, with managers trusting their depth to navigate the late innings. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts summed it up perfectly: 'This is Game 7, so there's a lot of things that people haven't done, and you've just got to trust your players and try to win a baseball game.' And for fans new to this, think of the bullpen as the cavalry—relief pitchers who come in to keep the game close, often specializing in high-pressure situations.
Stat-wise, teams forcing a Game 7 after winning Game 6 have triumphed 35 out of 56 times (that's 62.5%) in the modern 2-3-2 playoff format. When that happens on the road, road teams win 14 of 22 series (63.6%). Historically, home teams in any winner-take-all game edge out with a 69-67 record overall, and 31-29 in best-of-seven scenarios. The Dodgers last faced Game 7 pressure in the 2020 NLCS against the Braves (during the COVID bubble), and they fell short in their most recent World Series Game 7 to the Astros in 2017, where George Springer was the MVP. The Blue Jays, fresh off their ALCS Game 7 victory just weeks ago, are venturing into uncharted territory—no World Series Game 7 in franchise history.
For the Blue Jays, this is what they've dreamed of, as manager John Schneider urged: 'To the fans, I say be loud, be rowdy. We're going to be ready to play.' After seizing control with two convincing home wins earlier this week, the Jays lost Game 6 but showed they're capable of matching the Dodgers blow for blow. Yet, only one team will hoist the trophy come Saturday night.
Shifting to the starting pitchers, we've got a matchup for the ages: two potential Hall of Famers toeing the rubber. For the Dodgers, right-hander Shohei Ohtani steps up, with a 1-1 record and 2.87 ERA this postseason. Though manager Roberts kept it mysterious post-game, reports confirm Ohtani will start, acting as an opener on three days' rest to preserve his dual role as pitcher and hitter (since he's the designated hitter). His Game 4 outing allowed four runs over six-plus innings—not spectacular, but solid. With ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto unavailable, the Dodgers lean on their starters: Tyler Glasnow, who barely threw in Game 6 after earning the save, could handle more bulk, and Blake Snell remains an option. Their starters have been the backbone of their playoff success, making this a fitting strategy to clinch the title.
Opposing him is Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer, at 41 years old, boasting a 5-5 record and 5.19 ERA this season. What a storyline—'Mad Max' delivering flashes of brilliance, like his dominant Game 4 in the ALCS against Seattle. In World Series Game 3, he surrendered three runs over 4 1/3 innings, including homers to Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández. Home runs have plagued him this year (19 in 85 regular-season innings), and against a Dodgers lineup that can erupt anytime, that's the biggest hurdle for Toronto.
Now, onto the lineups—let's break them down for clarity. The Dodgers might stick with their Game 6 setup, which shuffled Mookie Betts to fourth and brought Tommy Edman to center field to accommodate Miguel Rojas at second. This tweak provided just enough offense to extend the series.
Dodgers starting lineup:
1. Shohei Ohtani (DH)
2. Will Smith (C)
3. Freddie Freeman (1B)
4. Mookie Betts (SS)
5. Teoscar Hernández (RF)
6. Max Muncy (3B)
7. Kiké Hernández (LF)
8. Tommy Edman (CF)
9. Miguel Rojas (2B)
For the Blue Jays, assuming George Springer shakes off his 'right side discomfort' from Game 6, they'll likely keep things consistent against right-handed pitching. Their offense sputtered in the loss, but with Ohtani starting, this lineup shines.
Blue Jays starting lineup:
1. George Springer (DH)
2. Nathan Lukes (LF)
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)
4. Bo Bichette (2B)
5. Daulton Varsho (CF)
6. Alejandro Kirk (C)
7. Addison Barger (RF)
8. Ernie Clement (3B)
9. Andrés Giménez (SS)
After the starters, bullpens will be crucial. For the Dodgers, with Yamamoto out, they have full availability but might avoid traditional relievers like their closer. Roki Sasaki, who dominated after shifting to the bullpen, tossed 33 pitches in Game 6 and wasn't at his sharpest. Options include Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and Jack Dreyer. Note that Alex Vesia is sidelined for a personal family matter, adding to the challenge.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have Louis Varland—a workhorse who's pitched in 14 of 17 postseason games, tying a record. With an off-day Thursday and Kevin Gausman handling six innings in Game 6, everyone should be fresh. Expect key roles for closer Jeff Hoffman and setup man Seranthony Domínguez, plus Chris Bassitt, who closed out Game 6. They'll watch Ohtani closely, having used lefty Mason Fluharty effectively in the eighth of Game 6, leading to a double.
Injuries are a wildcard. For the Dodgers, Will Smith returned from a hairline fracture in his right hand during the NLDS and hasn't missed a beat. Tommy Edman is managing a right ankle issue (he's been on the injured list twice this year), and though the team hesitated to play him in center, he handled it in Game 6 and might again. Reliever Tanner Scott isn't on the World Series roster due to recovering from a lower body procedure.
On the Blue Jays side, George Springer battled 'right side tightness' but returned for Game 6, and the team believes it's manageable with play. Bo Bichette, activated for the World Series after a left knee sprain, played full games but might be pinch-run late if needed, as he's not 100% on the bases.
Who's hot and who's not? For the Dodgers, offensive struggles have persisted since the Wild Card round, with just four hits in Game 6 (one each for Ohtani, Smith, Betts, and Edman). Only three players boast an OPS over .800 since the NLDS: Ohtani (1.472), Freeman (.824), and Smith (.810). Andy Pages, hitting a lowly .080, was benched for the first time this postseason in Game 5.
The Blue Jays show more spark, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubling in the Game 6 loss—his postseason prowess makes him the most dangerous hitter left. If he's going to deliver a signature moment, Game 7 at home is the spot. Ernie Clement is quietly excelling at .397 after a two-hit game, while Bichette is regaining form post-injury. Daulton Varsho, Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger could provide the spark Toronto needs with a timely hit.
A few more nuggets for fans: The Blue Jays join an elite group—the sixth team in MLB history to play two Game 7s in one postseason (ALCS and WS), alongside the 2017 Astros, 1991 Braves, 1987 Cardinals, 1986 Red Sox, and 1985 Royals. Of those, only the Astros and Royals won the World Series. Plus, Ohtani matched Corey Seager's franchise record for most postseason homers in a single year (eight, set in 2020) with his blast in Game 3.
This Game 7 isn't just a game; it's a test of wills, where strategy, heroism, and a bit of luck collide. Do you side with the Blue Jays' miraculous turnaround or the Dodgers' quest for dynasty? Is Scherzer's grit enough against Ohtani's versatility, or will home-field advantage tip the scales? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments—do you agree that this matchup is Hall of Fame-worthy, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Let's discuss!
