World Series Game 3 2025: Scherzer’s Historic Start Faces Glasnow’s Postseason Prowess
The World Series Game 3 2025 showdown between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, tied at 1-1, promises high stakes as the series shifts to Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. After a 32-year absence from the Fall Classic, Toronto aims to seize the lead in this best-of-seven matchup, while the defending champion Dodgers leverage home-field advantage for the next three games. With a historic pitching duel between Max Scherzer and Tyler Glasnow set to unfold, both teams are poised for a critical battle that could tilt the series’ momentum.
Scherzer’s Record-Breaking World Series Appearance
Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old Blue Jays right-hander, will make history as the first pitcher to start World Series games for four different teams: the Detroit Tigers (2012), Washington Nationals (2019), Texas Rangers (2023), and now Toronto. Chasing his third career title, Scherzer brings a 1-1 record and a 2.70 ERA in four postseason outings against the Dodgers, including a standout 5 2/3-inning performance in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, where he allowed two runs. Despite a shaky regular-season finish (1-3, 9.00 ERA over his last six starts), Scherzer’s experience and postseason pedigree make him a formidable force. “This is what you play for, to be able to get to this moment,” Scherzer said, reflecting on his fourth World Series appearance.
Scherzer’s familiarity with Dodger Stadium, where he posted a 2.57 ERA during his 2021 stint with Los Angeles, adds intrigue, though his exit from a scheduled Game 6 start in the 2021 NLCS due to arm fatigue left some Dodgers fans bitter. Key Dodgers hitters like Freddie Freeman (.770 OPS in regular-season matchups) and Mookie Betts (one homer against Scherzer) will test his resilience.
Glasnow’s Postseason Dominance for the Dodgers
Opposing Scherzer is Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow, a Los Angeles native whose 0.68 ERA in three postseason appearances (two starts) underscores his October brilliance. Glasnow, who went 4-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 18 regular-season starts, delivered 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out nine. His 18 strikeouts over 13 1/3 postseason innings highlight his ability to overpower lineups. However, Glasnow’s history against the Blue Jays is less stellar, with a 5.82 ERA across 11 career starts, his worst against any team he’s faced more than four times.
Glasnow emphasized maintaining focus amid the World Series spotlight, stating, “I’m trying to just go into it like it is any other game. Simplify it while you’re out there on the mound.” The Dodgers’ postseason success hinges on their starters, who boast a 1.40 ERA across 64 1/3 innings, with Los Angeles undefeated (9-0) when starters pitch at least six innings.
Series Context and Strategic Imperatives
The Blue Jays dominated Game 1 with an 11-4 rout, capitalizing on a nine-run sixth inning that included a historic pinch-hit grand slam by Addison Barger, exploiting the Dodgers’ vulnerable bullpen. The Dodgers answered in Game 2, riding Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete-game masterpiece and home runs from Will Smith and Max Muncy for a 5-1 win. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stressed the need to pressure Toronto’s bullpen, noting, “You got to get to the pen, and you got to beat those guys up and keep building on innings.”
Toronto’s lineup, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s postseason heroics and Bo Bichette’s return to second base (batting .324 with a .981 OPS at Dodger Stadium), poses a threat to sustain their Game 1 momentum. However, their 4-1 record as underdogs in the postseason suggests resilience, with a 37.3% implied win probability for Game 3 (+168 moneyline). The Dodgers, favored at -203, have a 67% implied win probability and a 59.2% win rate as favorites this season.
Game 3 Outlook and Viewing Details
Game 3, airing on FOX and Fox Deportes at 8 p.m. ET, is pivotal, with historical trends favoring Game 1 winners (64.8% series win rate in best-of-seven formats). Toronto’s raucous Rogers Centre crowd fueled their Game 1 victory, but Los Angeles’ strong home record (second only to Toronto and Philadelphia) and Glasnow’s 2.77 ERA at Dodger Stadium tilt the scales. Fans can stream the game on platforms like DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo, with Toronto hosting viewing parties at Rogers Centre for $15 tickets.
The World Series Game 3 2025 clash pits Scherzer’s veteran guile against Glasnow’s postseason dominance, with Toronto aiming to steal a road win to ensure a Game 6 return to Canada and the Dodgers seeking to capitalize on home advantage. As both teams vie for the series lead, this primetime matchup promises electric drama in the race for the 2025 title.
