Blue Jays Walk Ohtani Nine Times in Epic 18-Inning Game

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events during Game 3 of the MLB World Series on October 30, 2023, the Toronto Blue Jays faced a formidable challenge as they opted to walk Shohei Ohtani a staggering nine times, including four intentional walks, in a grueling 18-inning marathon against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game ended in a heart-wrenching 6-5 loss for Toronto, forcing them to regroup quickly for Game 4.

The Blue Jays’ strategy shifted dramatically as Ohtani, the Dodgers’ superstar, showcased his exceptional talent by going 4-for-4 early in the game, hitting two doubles and two home runs. After a game-tying blast in the seventh, Blue Jays manager John Schneider made the call to intentionally walk Ohtani in a bid to neutralize his impact. “You got to really execute at a high level against him,” Schneider remarked post-game.

Ohtani’s incredible performance prompted Schneider’s tactical shift, illustrating the immense respect and fear Ohtani commands on the field. The manager acknowledged the difficulty of navigating around such a talent, stating, “Sometimes for pitchers it’s hard to do that when you’re kind of trying to throw a ball.” Despite the walks, Toronto’s relief pitching managed to hold up but ultimately couldn’t prevent a walk-off home run by Freddie Freeman in the 18th inning.

“They were in the right mindset and the right headspace the entire time,” Schneider said, emphasizing the need to recover swiftly for Game 4.

With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Dodgers, the Blue Jays are determined not to let this heartbreaking loss linger. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa reflected on their previous resilience, stating, “Down 2-1 isn’t as bad as being down 2-0. It’s just another thing we have to overcome.”

Uncertainty looms over the status of veteran outfielder George Springer, who left the game with discomfort on his right side, adding another layer of tension for the Blue Jays as they prepare for tomorrow’s crucial matchup.

As the team looks ahead, reliever Eric Lauer expressed optimism, highlighting the mental toughness required in the World Series. “Almost everyone is going to be ready tomorrow,” he stated confidently.

With Ohtani continuing to perform at an elite level, the Blue Jays’ strategy to walk him might be a recurring theme as the series progresses. “There’s a reason he gets walked intentionally,” Lauer noted, hinting at the ongoing dilemma posed by Ohtani’s remarkable skills.

As the Blue Jays regroup and strategize, all eyes will be on Game 4 as they seek to even the series and fight for their championship dreams. The urgency is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher.