What seemed like a night destined for drama ended with a victory full of tension and fortune. In the ninth inning, with the season hanging by a thread, Roki Sasaki accidentally hit Alejandro Kirk, giving up a dangerous hit-by-pitch with no outs. With Addison Barger, a postseason hero for the Blue Jays, at the plate, the stage seemed to be set for Toronto.
Barger hit a powerful fly ball that went into left-center field, right between Kike Hernandez and Justin Dean. The ball seemed destined to become the game-tying hit, as Myles Straw, the pinch runner, had a clear path to score. However, fate – and the rules – played in Los Angeles’ favor: the ball was trapped under the outfield fence and was ruled dead.
Thanks to that play, Barger only advanced to second base and Straw stayed at third, preventing the tie. It was undoubtedly the most decisive action of the game.
Justin Dean’s cool head saved the Dodgers
After the play, Justin Dean explained that he knew full well that he shouldn’t touch the ball. “I just trusted that the rule is the rule and that ball would fit the description.” If Dean had tried to get the ball out from under the fence, the play would have remained alive, likely allowing Straw to score and Barger to advance even further.
The outfielder’s reaction was worthy of a veteran. By allowing the umpire to intervene, Dean managed to stop the action just in time, preserving the narrow lead that separated the Dodgers from elimination.
That split second changed history: in the next play, Los Angeles executed a perfect double play (7-4) that sealed the victory and forced the decisive Game 7 of the World Series.
A breather from the Dodgers and one more chance
The fortuitous play not only showed Dean’s knowledge of the rules, but also the poise of a team that refuses to give up. With the 3-1 victory in Game 6, the Dodgers keep alive the hope of winning their second title in five years.
Game 7 will be played on Saturday, and manager Dave Roberts is confident in his team’s momentum after escaping from the brink of the abyss. “These are the wins that define a champion,” he said.
The Dodgers survived by inches… but in October, sometimes, that’s all it takes.
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