The Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run has been packed with superstar moments, but in Game 3, it was Will Klein, a name few outside Dodger Nation knew, who delivered the performance that may define this Fall Classic.
The Marathon That Needed a Hero
Game 3 between the Dodgers and Blue Jays was already destined for the history books. Eighteen innings. Two walk-off home run attempts. Shohei Ohtani reaching base nine times. But as the game stretched deep into the Los Angeles night, the Dodgers’ bullpen was running on fumes. Enter Will Klein—a rookie reliever thrust into the highest-pressure situation imaginable.
Klein’s Four-Inning Masterclass
Klein, who had spent most of the season bouncing between Triple-A and the big league club, was called upon in the 13th inning. What followed was nothing short of spectacular:
four scoreless innings, shutting down a relentless Blue Jays lineup and giving the Dodgers’ offense the breathing room it desperately needed.
He mixed a high-90s fastball with a devastating slider, striking out five and allowing just one baserunner. His poise under pressure drew comparisons to postseason legends, and after the game, Klein was seen receiving a congratulatory handshake from Dodgers icon Sandy Koufax—a moment that instantly went viral among fans and teammates alike.
Social Media and Clubhouse Buzz
While Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman grabbed headlines for their offensive heroics, social media quickly dubbed this “The Will Klein Game.” Dodgers fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with praise, memes, and even calls for Klein to start Game 4—a testament to just how electric his outing was.
Inside the clubhouse, Klein’s teammates were effusive. “We weren’t losing that game with Will on the mound,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in the postgame press conference. Even Ohtani, who had his own historic night, credited Klein’s calm and command as the turning point.
From Unsung to Unforgettable
Klein’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. Drafted in the later rounds and overlooked by most scouts, he’s battled injuries and roster cuts. But on baseball’s biggest stage, he delivered when it mattered most. As one Dodgers beat writer put it, “Every October, a new hero emerges. This year, it’s Will Klein”.
What’s Next for Klein and the Dodgers?
With the Dodgers now holding a 2-1 series lead, all eyes are on how Roberts will deploy his bullpen in the coming games. Klein’s performance has not only saved arms for the rest of the series but may have cemented his place in Dodgers lore.
For Klein, the spotlight is now his. Whether he pitches again in this World Series or not, his Game 3 heroics have already become the stuff of postseason legend.
Sources
1. Who is Will Klein? The Unsung Hero Who Saved the Dodgers in World Series Game 3
2. Will Klein - News - IMDb
3. Will Klein breaks down Game 3 relief performance | 10/27/2025
4. Latest Dodgers News - Los Angeles - MLB.com
5. Will Klein Opens Up On World Series Game 3 Bullpen ... - YouTube
6. Elephant Rumblings: Has baseball's velocity obsession gone too far?
7. Dodgers playoffs: Shohei Ohtani makes World Series history
8. Social media reacts to World Series, Freeman's walk-off home run
9. Freeman does it again! Walk-off HR ends epic 18-inning Game 3
10. MLB News, Scores, Stats, Standings and Rumors - CBS Sports
