Shane Bieber Faces Dodgers in Crucial World Series Game 3: Key Stats, Players, and How to Watch

Quick Read

• Shane Bieber starts for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• The series is tied 1-1; Game 3 takes place at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.
• Bieber has a 4-2 record, 3.57 ERA, and a 1.017 WHIP over seven starts this season.
• Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers, who rank second in MLB for home runs and slugging.
• Fans can watch the game live on FOX or stream online via Fubo.

Shane Bieber’s World Series Moment: Blue Jays Counting on Their Ace

When the Toronto Blue Jays send Shane Bieber to the mound for Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The series stands tied at 1-1, the tension is palpable, and every pitch could shift the momentum. For Bieber, it’s more than just another start—it’s an opportunity to anchor his team’s hopes and answer the challenge posed by one of baseball’s most electrifying squads.

Bieber, a 30-year-old right-hander, has made seven starts this season for the Blue Jays, posting a 4-2 record with a solid 3.57 ERA and an impressive 5.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His WHIP sits at 1.017, a mark that speaks to his ability to limit baserunners and escape tight spots. Yet, his most recent outing against the Seattle Mariners was a mixed bag—he lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering two earned runs on seven hits. The Blue Jays need him at his sharpest tonight.

How Bieber Has Shaped Toronto’s Season

Bieber’s journey to this pivotal game wasn’t always smooth. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, he’s shown flashes of dominance and moments where opposing bats found their rhythm. In his start against the Mariners on October 15, Bieber went six innings, allowed only four hits and two earned runs, and fanned eight. That performance is the blueprint Toronto hopes he can replicate against the Dodgers’ power-packed lineup.

Across his seven games, Bieber’s ability to control the strike zone has stood out. He’s walked just a handful of batters while piling up strikeouts, keeping his team in the hunt even when the offense has sputtered. The Blue Jays have thrived in their underdog role, winning 57.3% of games when not favored—a testament to the grit that Bieber and his teammates bring to the diamond.

Blue Jays Lineup: Key Players Backing Bieber

Toronto’s offense is stacked with talent. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the engine, batting .292 with 34 doubles, 23 home runs, and 81 walks. He’s joined by George Springer, who leads the team with 32 homers, and Bo Bichette, the RBI machine who boasts a .311 average and a team-high 94 runs driven in. This trio forms the backbone of a lineup that’s seventh in MLB for slugging percentage (.427) and 11th for home runs (191 on the season).

The Blue Jays’ pitching staff as a whole has posted a 4.19 ERA, ranking 19th in the majors, while their team WHIP of 1.274 sits at 16th. Bieber’s consistency gives them a fighting chance against the Dodgers’ deep batting order.

Dodgers’ Challenge: Ohtani and a Powerhouse Lineup

On the other side of the diamond, Shohei Ohtani starts for the Dodgers. He’s been nothing short of sensational—1-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings pitched this season. In his last start, Ohtani blanked the Milwaukee Brewers over six innings, allowing just two hits. With opponents batting .227 against him, he’s a formidable opponent for any hitter.

Ohtani’s offensive numbers are eye-popping too: a .282 average, 55 home runs, and 102 RBIs lead the Dodgers. Mookie Betts (.258 average, .326 OBP, .406 slugging) and Freddie Freeman (.295 average, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs) round out a lineup that ranks second in the league for total home runs (244) and slugging percentage (.441).

Los Angeles enters the game with a 91-62 record as moneyline favorites, winning nearly 60% of those contests. Their pitching staff’s 3.96 ERA is 17th in the majors, and their WHIP (1.260) is 14th, making them one of the most balanced teams in baseball.

Game 3: What’s at Stake, and How to Watch

Game 3 is set for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with first pitch at 8 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. With the series knotted at one apiece, this matchup could determine which team takes control heading into the latter half of the championship.

Fans can catch the action live on FOX, or stream it online via Fubo. For those looking to experience the drama in person, tickets are available through Vivid Seats.

Bieber’s Recent Performances: Trends and Expectations

A closer look at Bieber’s recent starts reveals both promise and areas for improvement:

• Oct. 20 vs. Mariners: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 K, 1 BB
• Oct. 15 at Mariners: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 8 K, 1 BB
• Oct. 7 at Yankees: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 K, 1 BB
• Sept. 26 vs. Rays: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 K, 2 BB
• Sept. 20 at Royals: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 K, 1 BB

The trend: Bieber can be dominant, but he’s occasionally vulnerable to early trouble. His strikeout numbers remain strong, but keeping hits and runs down will be crucial against the Dodgers’ relentless offense.

What Bieber Must Do to Succeed Against the Dodgers

Facing Ohtani and the Dodgers is a tall order. Bieber must locate his fastball early, mix his breaking pitches, and avoid falling behind in counts. The Dodgers’ lineup punishes mistakes, especially with runners on base. If Bieber can navigate the top of the order and keep the ball in the park, Toronto’s bats have the firepower to back him up.

It’s also a test of mental resilience. With the crowd at Dodger Stadium behind their team, Bieber’s ability to tune out the noise and execute his pitches will be put to the test. The Blue Jays’ defense must stay sharp, ready to turn double plays and support their ace in tight spots.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Series

With the series tied, Game 3 is a pivotal swing point. A win for Toronto puts them ahead with home-field advantage looming. A loss means the Dodgers gain momentum and confidence, turning the task into an uphill battle. Bieber’s performance will set the tone—not just for this game, but potentially for the rest of the series.

As the Blue Jays look to upset the odds and claim their first World Series since 1993, Bieber’s poise and execution are paramount. Whether he’s painting the corners or fighting through jams, every pitch will matter.

Shane Bieber’s Game 3 start encapsulates the drama of October baseball: a proven starter facing the game’s brightest stars under the harsh spotlight of the World Series. His ability to adapt, compete, and lead will not only shape tonight’s outcome but could define his legacy as a Blue Jay. For fans and analysts alike, this matchup is a microcosm of what makes baseball’s championship stage so compelling—the collision of talent, pressure, and possibility.