Dodgers Set to Face Scherzer in Game 3; Must Secure Six Innings

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a critical Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Dodger Stadium, where they will face former teammate Max Scherzer. This matchup is not just a game; it represents a pivotal moment in the Dodgers’ postseason journey, highlighting the drastic evolution of their pitching strategy.

As the clock ticks down to the October 15, 2025 showdown, the Dodgers are riding high with a 10-2 postseason record. Their success hinges on a straightforward yet effective approach: ensuring that their starting pitchers last into the sixth inning. History has shown that every game where their starter has achieved this milestone has ended in victory.

“We need to get six or seven innings from Blake Snell or Tyler Glasnow tonight,” said Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. “If we can do that, we are halfway to the World Series championship.” This is a clear shift from past strategies that often mismanaged star pitchers, leading to early exits and missed opportunities.

In stark contrast to their 2021 postseason, where analytics dictated a complex pitching strategy, the Dodgers have returned to a more traditional model. After experimenting with an opener and using their best arms in unconventional roles, the team now boasts a rotation of elite starters including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.

Reflecting on previous failures, Prior emphasized the need to let pitchers perform in their natural roles. “Clearly, all our starters are really good pitchers, and any team would roll them out in a playoff game,” he noted. This clarity in strategy is a welcome change for the Dodgers, who previously faced criticism for overcomplicating their game plan.

Meanwhile, Scherzer, who led the Dodgers in 2021 but could not pitch in an elimination game due to arm issues, is focusing solely on the present. “I wouldn’t be looking backwards at all for any motivation,” Scherzer stated. “I have plenty of motivation. I’m here to win.” His determination adds an emotional layer to an already charged atmosphere as he returns to face his former team.

The stakes have never been higher for the Dodgers. With their current momentum, they are poised to capitalize on their pitching depth and a return to fundamentals. The immediate goal is clear: secure a victory tonight and continue their march toward the championship.

As fans eagerly await the first pitch, the focus remains on whether the Dodgers can harness their powerful rotation to achieve postseason success. With a win tonight, they could maintain their strong playoff trajectory and potentially rewrite their narrative in this year’s World Series.

Stay tuned for live updates and results from this critical matchup, as the Dodgers look to make a statement against the Blue Jays and solidify their path to the championship.