Will Smith sets Dodgers record with dramatic walk-off home run
- Will Smith hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
- This game-winning hit marked a historic achievement, making him the record-holder for the most pinch-hit, walk-off homers in Dodgers history.
- Smith's performance played a crucial role in the Dodgers maintaining their lead in the National League West.
On June 18, 2025, in a thrilling game at Dodger Stadium in California, Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by hitting a walk-off home run, thereby setting a new record for the most pinch-hit, walk-off homers in the team's history with three. This remarkable achievement occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning when Smith faced an 0-2 changeup, smashing a 377-foot blast over the outfield to clinch the game for the Dodgers, leading them to a narrow 4-3 victory against the San Diego Padres. The nighttime showdown illustrated Smith's exceptional talent as he had been sitting on the bench prior to his momentous at-bat and was called upon to provide the game-winning hit amidst a tightly contested match. On the other hand, the game showcased several competitive plays, with the Padres initially taking the lead due to Elias Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. The Dodgers managed to stage a comeback with Dalton Rushing's two-run single, which contributed significantly to their scoring efforts. Throughout the contest, neither team gained a comfortable advantage, demonstrating the intense competitiveness characteristic of Major League Baseball matches. With the win, the Dodgers solidified their position at the top of the National League West division, extending their lead to 4.5 games over the second-place San Francisco Giants. Furthermore, Smith entered this game tied for the most career pinch-hit, walk-off home runs alongside Rick Monday and needs just three more to tie Jason Giambi for the all-time MLB record of six. Smith’s performance also highlighted a broader narrative of his career as he is poised to make his third All-Star appearance, showcasing his standout season performance, which includes a .333 batting average, eight home runs, and 41 RBIs in his first 59 games. The achievement not only underscores his individual talent but also underlines the Dodgers' competitive spirit as they continue to dominate their division. The upcoming series finale against the Padres is set to kick off at 10:10 p.m. EDT on June 19, 2025, demonstrating the ongoing high stakes of the MLB season.