The two most electrifying words in sports are poised to ignite the diamond once more. On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays will clash in a winner-take-all Game 7, deciding the 2025 World Series champion. This decisive showdown promises historic stakes, thrilling matchups, and an unforgettable climax to a globally watched series. Fans across North America and beyond are gearing up for baseball’s ultimate finale.
The Ultimate Stakes: Dynasty vs. Drought
This Game 7 isn’t just about winning a trophy; it’s about carving a permanent place in baseball history. For the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, this is an opportunity to solidify their legacy as a modern dynasty. They aim to become the first team in a quarter-century to repeat as World Series champions, a feat last accomplished by the legendary New York Yankees from 1998-2000. Their high payroll and immense talent have set an expectation that anything less than a title is a “failure,” as acknowledged by manager Dave Roberts. The pressure to deliver is immense.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays arrive at this pivotal moment making their first World Series appearance since their back-to-back triumphs in 1992 and 1993. A victory would end a 32-year title drought, bringing immense pride to a nation captivated by their postseason run. For Toronto, clinching the championship at home in Rogers Centre would cap a remarkable season and fulfill a long-awaited dream. This is only the 45th Game 7 in World Series history, amplifying the magnitude of this encounter for both franchises.
How to Watch the World Series Finale
Don’t miss a single pitch of this epic winner-take-all Game 7. The highly anticipated matchup will be broadcast exclusively on FOX.
TV Channel: FOX
Streaming Options: FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App, FOX One, and Fubo
Date: Saturday, November 1st
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. ET (start times vary by source, best to check local listings)
- Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada
- www.foxsports.com
- www.northjersey.com
- www.usatoday.com
- www.nytimes.com
- www.nbcnews.com
Mound Showdown: Ace vs. Superstar
The pitching matchups in Game 7 often dictate the flow of the game, and this finale features two of the game’s most compelling arms.
Max Scherzer: Blue Jays’ Veteran Anchor
The Toronto Blue Jays will entrust the ball to future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. This marks a significant milestone for the veteran ace, as he becomes only the fourth pitcher in MLB history to start multiple World Series Game 7s. His last Game 7 start came in 2019, leading the Washington Nationals to a memorable comeback victory. Scherzer is also the first pitcher ever to play for four different teams in the World Series.
While perhaps no longer in his absolute prime, Scherzer still commands the ability to deliver vintage performances. In his previous series outing (Game 3), he pitched 4.1 innings, surrendering five hits and three runs (including two home runs) with three strikeouts during the Dodgers’ 6-5 extra-innings win. His experience and big-game temperament make him a crucial figure for the Blue Jays. He enters the game with a 1-0 postseason record and a 4.50 ERA.
Shohei Ohtani: Dodgers’ Two-Way Phenom Takes the Hill
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will take the mound, pitching on just three days’ rest. Ohtani last appeared in Game 4, where he allowed four runs on six hits over six innings in a Los Angeles loss. His season stats entering Game 7 stand at 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA.
The decision to start Ohtani highlights the Dodgers’ belief in his ability to perform under extreme pressure, despite the quick turnaround. Interestingly, Tyler Glasnow, who was initially penciled in as the Game 7 starter, was instead utilized as a closer in the dramatic Game 6. Glasnow also started Game 3, allowing five hits and four runs (one home run) over 4 2/3 innings.
Bullpen Strategy: All Hands on Deck
Given the high stakes of Game 7, both teams are expected to lean heavily on their bullpens. For the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is explicitly mentioned as unavailable after his stellar Game 6 performance. However, nearly every other Dodgers pitcher will be available, including Tyler Glasnow, who threw a minimal pitch count in Game 6. Rōki Sasaki, who pitched a stressful eighth inning in Game 6, also remains a potential option.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider will similarly have his full bullpen at his disposal, ready to deploy relievers at the first sign of trouble. Expect a strategic chess match, with managers making quick decisions to navigate through crucial innings.
Projected Lineups: Key Hitters to Watch
The offensive firepower on both sides promises a thrilling conclusion. Here’s a look at the anticipated lineups and key players.
Los Angeles Dodgers Offensive Outlook
Manager Dave Roberts is expected to roll with the same lineup that secured the Game 6 victory. All eyes will be on Mookie Betts, who is slated to bat cleanup once again. Despite a challenging series where he’s batting .130 through six games, Betts showed significant signs of life in Game 6. He delivered a crucial two-run single in the third inning, breaking his slump and providing his first RBI since Game 3 of the NLCS. This breakout hit swung the momentum in the Dodgers’ favor, offering hope for his impact in Game 7.
Shohei Ohtani will also be a critical bat in the lineup when he’s not pitching. The Dodgers’ offense, which had struggled for runs in Games 4 and 5, finally showed signs of life in Game 6, delivering their best scoring performance since the NLCS. Veteran hitters like Freddie Freeman and Will Smith (who had an RBI double in Game 6) will need to capitalize on opportunities.
Toronto Blue Jays Offensive Firepower
The Blue Jays will welcome back veteran All-Star slugger George Springer, who returned to the leadoff spot in Game 6 after missing Games 4 and 5 due with an oblique injury. Springer made an immediate impact in Game 6, accounting for Toronto’s only run with two hits and an RBI. His calming presence and offensive contribution will be vital.
The team will also heavily rely on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to spark their offense. Guerrero Jr. enters Game 7 with eight postseason home runs, just two shy of Randy Arozarena’s record set in 2020. The Blue Jays’ offense had been highly proficient throughout the postseason, scoring six runs in both Games 4 and 5, but was largely silenced in Game 6. They will need Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to generate early momentum against Ohtani.
Game 6 Recap: The Road to Game 7
The Dodgers forced this decisive Game 7 with a pivotal 3-1 victory in Game 6. The win was anchored by an exceptional pitching performance from Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He delivered what many described as one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in modern baseball history, pitching six strong innings and allowing only one run on five hits while striking out six. Yamamoto’s overall World Series line stands at two wins, 15 innings pitched, one walk, 14 strikeouts, and a remarkable 1.20 ERA.
The Dodgers’ offense broke through in a decisive three-run third inning against Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, who had dominated early with seven strikeouts in the first two innings. Mookie Betts delivered the crucial two-run single, following an RBI double by Will Smith and an intentional walk to Shohei Ohtani.
The game concluded with a dramatic and wild play in the top of the ninth inning. With the tying runs in scoring position for the Blue Jays and no outs, Addison Barger, on second base, wandered too far off the bag on a shallow fly ball to left field. Dodgers veteran Kiké Hernández made the catch and fired a laser to second baseman Miguel Rojas, completing a stunning double play to end the game and force Game 7. This defensive heroics, coupled with Yamamoto’s brilliance, set the stage for the ultimate showdown. The series scores leading up to Game 7 were: Blue Jays 11, Dodgers 4 (Game 1); Dodgers 5, Blue Jays 1 (Game 2); Dodgers 6, Blue Jays 5 (F/18 Game 3); Blue Jays 6, Dodgers 2 (Game 4); Blue Jays 6, Dodgers 1 (Game 5); Dodgers 3, Blue Jays 1 (Game 6).
Betting Odds and Series Momentum
As Game 7 approaches, the betting odds reflect a tightly contested matchup, underscoring the evenness of the series. As of November 1st, the Dodgers are favored with a moneyline of -140, while the Blue Jays stand at +120. The spread is Dodgers -1.5 (+125) and Blue Jays +1.5 (-150), with an over/under set at 8 runs.
The Dodgers carry significant momentum from their Game 6 victory, having staved off elimination with clutch hitting and stellar pitching. However, playing at home in Rogers Centre gives the Blue Jays a substantial advantage, with their fervent Canadian fanbase creating a formidable atmosphere. This global smash of a World Series has captivated audiences, with Game 1 drawing 32.6 million viewers across North America and Japan, demonstrating the immense interest in this championship battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical significance does Game 7 hold for the Dodgers and Blue Jays?
Game 7 carries immense historical weight for both franchises. The Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing a legacy, aiming to become the first team in 25 years to repeat as World Series champions, solidifying their status as a dynasty. For the Toronto Blue Jays, it’s an opportunity to end a 32-year title drought, securing their first World Series title since their back-to-back victories in 1992 and 1993 and bringing a championship home to Canada. This marks only the 45th Game 7 in World Series history.
Where and how can fans watch the decisive Game 7 of the World Series?
Fans can watch the winner-take-all Game 7 of the World Series exclusively on FOX. For streaming options, the game will be available on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App, FOX One, and Fubo. The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, with start times generally around 7 p.m. ET or 8 p.m. ET, and will be played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Who are the crucial players expected to impact the outcome of World Series Game 7?
Key players poised to impact Game 7 include starting pitchers Max Scherzer for the Blue Jays and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers. Scherzer’s veteran experience in Game 7s and Ohtani’s two-way superstar power will be critical. Offensively, Mookie Betts, despite a series slump, showed signs of life in Game 6 for the Dodgers, while George Springer’s return and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s postseason home run prowess will be vital for the Blue Jays. Both teams will also rely heavily on their bullpens, with most relievers available for an “all hands on deck” approach.
The Ultimate Showdown Awaits
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays prepare for the ultimate winner-take-all Game 7 of the World Series, the tension is palpable. From the mound showdowns between Max Scherzer and Shohei Ohtani to the clutch hitting of Mookie Betts and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., every moment will be under intense scrutiny. This isn’t just a baseball game; it’s a historic event that will crown a champion, solidify legacies, and provide an unforgettable chapter in MLB history. Get ready for an epic night of baseball!
