Will Klein’s Heroics Propel Dodgers to 18-Inning World Series Victory

In a marathon Game 3 of the World Series on October 28, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 in 18 innings, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of right-handed pitcher Will Klein. The game, lasting six hours and 49 minutes, saw Klein deliver four scoreless innings, striking out five batters and earning the win after Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Reinforcements

Prior to the World Series, the Dodgers made strategic adjustments to their bullpen. On October 24, 2025, they added right-handers Will Klein and Edgardo Henriquez to the roster, while left-handers Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott, along with righty Ben Casparius, were left off. Vesia was dealing with a personal family matter and was expected to rejoin the team for Game 3 in Los Angeles if placed on the family medical emergency list.

Klein’s Journey to the Dodgers

Will Klein, 25, began the 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, where he struggled with a 7.17 ERA over 22 appearances. On June 2, 2025, the Dodgers acquired Klein from the Mariners in exchange for minor league pitcher Joe Jacques. After spending time with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, Klein was recalled to the Dodgers’ major league roster on June 20, 2025. Throughout the regular season, he made 14 relief appearances for Los Angeles, posting a 2.35 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings.

World Series Impact

Klein’s addition to the World Series roster proved pivotal. In the grueling 18-inning Game 3, he was the 10th Dodgers pitcher utilized and the last reliever available. His four scoreless innings kept the Dodgers in contention, setting the stage for Freeman’s decisive home run. This performance underscored Klein’s resilience and the strategic foresight of the Dodgers’ management in bolstering their bullpen ahead of the championship series.