Dodgers force World Series to deciding Game 7 by holding off Blue Jays 3-1 as Yamamoto wins again

TORONTO (AP) — A two-run lead was starting to slip away from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning — along with their chance to force the World Series to Game 7.

And then Kiké Hernández turned what might have been a tying, two-run single by Andrés Giménez into the first game-ending left field-to-second base double play in postseason history.

“The crazy thing is I had no idea where the ball was because it was in the lights the whole time,” Hernández said after preserving a 3-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 on Friday night.

Instead of getting a World Series-winning, three-run homer like the one Joe Carter hit off Philadelphia's Mitch Williams to capture the title in Game 6 in 1993, the Blue Jays were pushed to Game 7 and the Dodgers kept alive their chance to become the first repeat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.

Max Scherzer will start Game 7 for Toronto against a Dodgers pitcher still to be determined — perhaps two-way star Shohei Ohtani, perhaps Tyler Glasnow. The October Classic will end in November for the 10th time.

“It’s the two best words in sports: Game 7," Toronto manager John Schneider said.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto beat Toronto for the second time in a week by allowing one run in six innings, and slumping Mookie Betts hit a two-run single in a three-run third against Kevin Gausman that included Will Smith's go-ahead double.

George Springer, back after missing two games with a sore right side, hit an RBI single in the bottom half, and the Dodgers held that 3-1 lead going to the ninth.

Roki Sasaki hit Alejandro Kirk on the left wrist with an 0-2 splitter leading off and Addison Barger followed with a drive that landed at the base of the left-center wall. In a seldom-seen rarity, the ball lodged there instead of caroming back into play.

Both runners crossed the plate as many in the Rogers Centre crowd initially thought Toronto had tied the game, but the rule book is clear that a ball lodged in a fence is a ground-rule double. The runners were placed at second and third, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts brought in Glasnow, who was lined up to start Game 7 on normal rest.

“I just felt that Roki wasn’t as sharp, and I just felt we needed some swing-and-miss and Glasnow was the guy. So I had him loose, kind of looming,” Roberts said.

Glasnow escaped with just three pitches, earning the first save of the Series.

Ernie Clement popped up his initial offering to first base. Giménez took a ball and hit the next 247 feet to the opposite field, in short left.

Hernández said he decided to play more shallow than the Dodgers' scouting card called for. He ran 52 feet and while on the run made a catch that had only a 40% probability, then delivered a one-hop throw to second baseman Miguel Rojas that doubled up Barger.

“For a split second as Glasnow threw the ball, the crowd got quiet and I was able to hear that the bat broke,” Hernández said. “So I just got a really good jump on the ball and I came in and halfway there, the ball got in the lights. And I was just like, not the right time to stop to see where the ball is, just keep going.

“It’s going to hit me in the face — but I’m not stopping,” Hernández remembered thinking. "I’m not pulling up. And at the very end, the ball came out of the lights and went into my glove.”

Barger had gotten about halfway to third before scrambling back, and he reached second base too late with his headfirst slide.

“I was being too aggressive, trying to score, try to tie that game if that ball drops," Barger said.

Even after the umpire signaled out, players had to wait 60 seconds for the call to be upheld by the replay room in New York.

Rojas had been inserted into the lineup for his first start since Oct. 6 in an effort by Roberts to spark the Dodgers' offense, which is batting .191 after winning with just four hits.

“Pretty epic ending there," Rojas said.

Yamamoto was not quite as sharp as in his Game 2 four-hitter, the first World Series complete game in a decade. Rookie reliever Justin Wrobleski struck out Giménez to strand a runner at second in the seventh and Sasaki got out of a two-on, one-out jam in the eighth when Bo Bichette fouled out and Daulton Varsho grounded out.

Then came the first game-ending double play in World Series history in which an outfielder had a putout or assist, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“Man, we live for Game 7, so here we go,” Roberts said.

Yamamoto, winner of three MVP awards in Japan, improved to 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA in five postseason starts and has a 1.20 ERA in his two Series outings.

Tommy Edman doubled with one out in the third for the Dodgers’ first hit. Ohtani was intentionally walked for the fifth time in the Series and Smith hit an RBI double off the left-field wall on a high splitter. Freddie Freeman walked, bringing up Betts.

With Los Angeles seeking its third title in six seasons, Roberts dropped the slumping Betts from second to third in the batting order in Game 5 and then to fourth in Game 6 — the lowest Betts had hit since 2017.

Betts fell behind 1-2 in the count, fouled off two pitches and laced Gausman’s third straight fastball between shortstop and third for a 3-0 lead. That ended an 0-for-13 stretch with the bases loaded for the Dodgers that dated to the Division Series.

“He could hit me seventh, I don’t care. I just want to win," said Betts, already a three-time champion. “Whatever we do, however we get there, I’ll jump on whoever’s back to go. We all get a ring, that’s all I care about.”

Scherzer and Glasnow started Game 3, won by the Dodgers 6-5 in 18 innings. A 41-year-old right-hander, Scherzer will become the fourth pitcher to start multiple World Series winner-take-all Game 7s after Bob Gibson (1964, ’67, ’68), Lew Burdette and Don Larsen (both 1957 and ’58). Scherzer allowed two runs over five innings for Washington against Houston in 2019, and the Nationals rallied for a 6-2 win.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts leaps into the arms of Kiké Hernández (8) after Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, was forced out to end Game 6 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts (50) leaps into the arms of Kiké Hernández (8) as Miguel Rojas, left, pumps his fist after Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, was forced out to end Game 6 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) celebrates with shortstop Mookie Betts (50) and left fielder Enrique Hernández (8) after forcing out Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger (47) to end the game during ninth inning Game 6 World Series playoff MLB baseball action in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk reacts after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Toronto, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts (50) leaps into the arms of Kiké Hernández (8) after Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, was forced out to end Game 6 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani celebrates his double off Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Mason Fluharty during the eighth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts follows through on his two run base hit against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles after the sixth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto gestures during the fourth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

PARIS (AP) — Sipping tea every night is working wonders for Maja Chwalinska.

The Polish player became just the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era when she beat Diana Shnaider of Russia 7-6 (4), 6-4 on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Chwalinska can match Emma Raducanu’s title run at the 2021 U.S. Open when she plays Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final at Roland Garros.

Nothing will change Chwalinska's routine for the biggest match of her life.

“I’m going to drink my tea,” she said.

Chwalinska and Raducanu, according to stats provider Opta, stand alone among men and women in having reached a major singles final from the qualifying rounds since the Open Era began in 1968.

“I feel like I am in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” Chwalinska said. “After the tournament it will be time to process it: breathe in, breathe out.”

Besides the tea, she might watch some tennis "because I’m a tennis freak.”

She said her favorite player growing up was Swiss great Roger Federer, then Spanish clay-court ace Rafael Nadal. Now it's 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic.

“I'm just very grateful that I was growing up during this era,” she said. "Sometimes I come back to these old matches and I watch them play, and it feels like poetry.”

Chwalinska sealed victory on her first match point with a powerful forehand winner down the line, then fell back with both hands on her face. She then sat on her chair and panted heavily, her face buried into a towel.

“I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head,” she said. “I was just in such a shock.”

Chwalinska's run saw her advance through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw and play in just her third Grand Slam. Her best result at a major before this was the second round at Wimbledon in 2022. Polish countrywoman Iga Swiatek has won the French Open four times.

The 19-year-old Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam final by beating Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 earlier Thursday on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Andreeva had reached the semifinals here two years ago, but this is Chwalinska’s first semifinal anywhere at WTA tour-level.

Chwalinksa has dropped only one set in her nine matches, including qualifying, and has bulldozed her way past four top-50 players in the main draw.

Her ranking will rocket from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the tournament, according to the WTA.

Her bank balance will also get a significant boost. Chwalinksa's total prize money heading into Roland Garros was $864,030 and by reaching the final she gets 1.4 million euros about ($1.6 million); and 2.8 million euros ($3.25 million) if she wins on Saturday.

A neat drop shot and lob gave her set point in the tiebreaker, and she clinched the first set when Shnaider’s backhand went wide.

Shnaider had a medical timeout after the seventh game of the second set. She flexed her left leg as she lay on her back, and dropped her serve in the ninth game, giving Chwalinksa a chance to serve for the match.

“All the kudos to Maja. She played amazing," Shnaider said. “She moves incredible on the court, she covers a lot. Even if you think that you won the point, she’s there.”

Andreeva could see even the smallest details on the ball.

“I was seeing the little hairs on the ball when I was tossing or playing (shots),” Andreeva said. “I was really, really focused today.”

Andreeva, who is seeded No. 8, also converted her first match point when serving for the victory.

She clearly feels comfortable at the French Open, which she describes as a “cozy” tournament because she sees familiar faces every year, and enjoys her time in Paris.

“I really like to walk around the city, to go into those little restaurants on the street,” she said. “I also speak a little bit of French, so I try to sometimes talk to people in French.”

There was no post-match handshake between Andreeva and Kostyuk — and the Ukrainian walked off quickly, turning only to wave and blow kisses to the crowd.

They had separate photos taken before the match as they each stood next to two children on their respective side of the net. Usually the players pose for the same photo, standing right next to each other by the net.

Kostyuk and countrywoman Oleksandra Oliynykova have spoken out during the tournament about the impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having on their country.

The No. 15-seeded Kostyuk said defeat won't linger given how much support she felt from fans.

“This is something I will carry with me forever,” she said. “I feel like this is the highlight of my tournament."

The semifinal began at shortly after 3 p.m. with an open roof, like on Wednesday when beaten quarterfinalists Aryna Sabalenka and Anna Kalinskaya complained of swirling wind on Chatrier and said the roof should have been closed.

It was closed toward the end of the second set of Thursday's semifinal, offering Kostyuk better conditions for her clay-court game. But her 16-match winning streak on clay ended.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Poland's Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Poland's Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Poland's Maja Chwalinska react after winning during the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva poses with children while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to join before the semifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk walks off the court after the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Mirra Andreeva at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning during the semifinal tennis match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Fans supprtUkraine's Marta Kostyuk during the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Mirra Andreeva at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva returns to Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk during the senifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk serves to Russia's Mirra Andreeva during the semifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva poses with children while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused during teh senifinal tennis tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)