Dodgers Win Game 7; Kershaw Retires

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched back-to-back World Series titles with a dramatic extra‑inning Game 7, capped by Will Smith’s 11th‑inning solo home run that set a record for most innings caught in a single World Series (73). Clayton Kershaw, who announced his retirement during the 2025 season, finished an 18‑year Dodgers career with a tearful farewell at Dodger Stadium, calling himself a “champion for life.” Kershaw made key postseason contributions, including escaping a bases‑loaded jam in the 18‑inning Game 3, and finished the regular season 11–2 with a 3.36 ERA across 112.2 innings. Teammates and executives lauded his Hall of Fame‑caliber résumé — three Cy Youngs, an MVP and more than 3,000 strikeouts — and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman framed the club’s run as a dynasty while leaving open a non‑playing role for Kershaw. Kershaw said he plans to prioritize family as he prepares for a fifth child, though he did not rule out some involvement with the organization.