TORONTO — The Dodgers have cemented their place in baseball lore, achieving a feat that is both inevitable and indomitable. With their latest victory, they have become part of history.

This season, the Dodgers faced fierce competition. The Padres were a persistent threat in the NL West, while the Phillies gave them a run for their money in the NL playoffs. The Blue Jays nearly derailed their championship defense in Toronto, keeping the Dodgers on the edge of elimination for 48 tense hours. On Saturday night, they came perilously close to losing their title.

However, true to their championship spirit, the Dodgers rose to the occasion. They became the first team since the Yankees’ 1998-2000 three-peat to win back-to-back titles. Their 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays in an 11-inning showdown was clinched through a combination of seasoned talent and strategic plays. The spotlight shone on veteran utility player Miguel Rojas, whose crucial hit came off their record-breaking $400 million-plus payroll. Yoshinobu Yamamoto also delivered a stellar performance, pitching six innings as a starter in a prior elimination game and then returning to the mound for 2 ²/₃ innings of scoreless relief.

The game’s climax came when Will Smith launched a two-out homer in the 11th inning, finally overcoming the dogged Blue Jays. This victory not only secured their championship but also solidified the Dodgers’ place in the conversation about baseball dynasties, marking their third championship win in six years.