With a few game-changing plays from Will Smith and Miguel Rojas, the Los Angeles Dodgers made history Saturday night. The Dodgers went back-to-back with an epic 5-4 victory in 11 innings over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 to win the World Series.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (rightfully) took home MVP honors, but Smith and Rojas may go down as the game’s biggest heroes. For Smith, a huge go-ahead home run in the 11th inning gave the Dodgers the lead and an eventual win to set up Yamamoto to close things out.
After the game, Smith reflected on the season and the iconic 11th-inning moment he will never forget.
“It’s a special group of guys, man,” Smith told Ken Rosenthal on FOX. “We just never gave up, kept fighting, pitching our asses off, great hitting, great at-bats, finally punched through there. Man, that was a fight for seven games.”
Added Smith on his memorable home run: “I was fired up. We know we needed to get a run there, to be able to come in clutch, that was huge. You dream of those moments, extra innings, ut your team ahead. I’ll remember that for forever.”
While Smith’s homer ultimately won the game, Rojas’ heroics on both ends made him a World Series legend. His huge ninth-inning home run to tie the game, 4-4, preserved LA’s hopes. Then, Rojas’ impressive infield snag and throw, ironically, to Smith at home plate to secure a pivotal second out in the bottom of the ninth saved the Dodgers’ season and helped push Game 7 into extra innings.
An emotional Rojas could barely put his thoughts on his ninth-inning homer into words.
“I was never trying to hit a home run, I think this is the first home run against a right-handed pitcher the whole year,” Rojas said to Rosenthal. “It came at the biggest part of my life and my career, in front of these fans and in front of city of L.A. and my teammates.
“I can’t really describe right now the emotions that I feel, not just tying the game but given the opportunity to bring in Yamamoto for another spectacular performance.”
As for the defensive play, Rojas admitted the conditions inside Rogers Centre made it a difficult play, but he knew what he had to do when the ball bounced his way.
“As soon as I plant my feet, I have to make a perfect throw to the plate,” Rojas said. “It’s been an unbelievable two days for me defensively, obviously hitting the homer. But, for me, I’m way more proud of my defense and what I can do for my team out there…it’s a great feeling.”
The celebration for Smith, Rojas, the Dodgers and their hometown will likely wane late into the night as they celebrate the club becoming the first back-to-back champions in 25 years.
Relive Rojas and Smith’s incredible clutch plays below:
Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas crushes homer to tie game against Blue Jays in 9th inning
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas crushed a solo homer that tied the game at 4-4 against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 9th inning.
Dodgers’ Will Smith Launches GO-AHEAD HOME RUN in 11th Inning vs. Blue Jays
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith launched a go-ahead homer in the 11th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series.
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