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Toronto Blue Jays Get Painful Company in World Series History
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- Toronto Blue Jays Get Painful Company in World Series History
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
Tied at 2-2 in the top of the 12th inning, the Milwaukee Brewers took a 3-2 lead on Tuesday night in Game 4 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays .
In the bottom of the 12th, the Brewers were just three outs away from securing their first World Series title. However, a leadoff error and multiple hits allowed the Rays to win 4-3 and force Game 5.
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Of course, the Brewers still have a 3-1 series lead and three more chances to close the series out, but the title was right there in front of them on Tuesday.
And while the situations were different, the Toronto Blue Jays know exactly how painful that can be. As noted by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Tuesday marked just the 10th time that a team was three outs away from winning the World Series before losing. The Blue Jays had it happen to them last season.
Game 7 in 2025
The Blue Jays led the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in the top of the eighth inning of Game 7 in 2025. Trey Yesavage gave up a run in the top of the eighth inning to make it 4-3 and the Jays entered the top of the ninth just those precious three outs away.
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Unfortunately, then-closer Jeff Hoffman couldn't hold the lead, giving up a game-tying home run in the ninth to Miguel Rojas.
The Dodgers would win it 5-4 in the 11th inning on a game-winning homer by Will Smith off Shane Bieber.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
So close, yet so far
That 2025 World Series was a painful reminder of just how hard it is to win a championship. The Blue Jays haven't won a title since 1993, more than 30 years ago. Toronto expected to be back in that position again this season, especially after a very active offseason, but it just didn't happen. The Jays went 79-83 and finished last in the American League East.
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Well, whenever the World Series ends, official league business will start to take place. Players who are free agents, including George Springer, will officially exit the 40-man roster. Free agency will start in full five days after the World Series and then we will have about a month of business before the probable MLB lockout takes hold in early December.
Game 5 of the World Series is set for Wednesday night in Tampa Bay.
