Will Smith Walk-Off Lifts Dodgers to Title

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in an 11th‑inning Game 7 at Rogers Centre when Will Smith hit a walk‑off solo home run off Shane Bieber; the Dodgers also hit solo homers in the 8th and 9th to complete the comeback. Toronto was two outs from clinching what would have been its first title in 32 years and had led the series 3–2, and players in the Blue Jays’ clubhouse were visibly devastated — utilityman Ernie Clement was tearful and was praised for his leadership. Blue Jays relievers wore “51” on their caps to honor Dodgers lefty Alex Vesia, who was away dealing with a serious family matter, a gesture Dodgers players including Kiké Hernández appreciated. Fans and media in Canada and the U.S. hailed the series as one of the greatest, with widespread heartbreak and pride in Toronto’s run. The Dodgers’ championship and a controversial MLB social post about Shohei Ohtani’s dog “Decoy” reignited debates over league favoritism and calls for a salary cap, and first baseman Ty France was later announced as the 2025 AL Gold Glove winner, a positive note for the Jays’ outlook.