Baseball is a game without a clock — and on one unforgettable night, that timeless truth was tested like never before. Game 3 of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox became the longest World Series game ever played, lasting an extraordinary 18 innings and 7 hours 20 minutes at Dodger Stadium.
By the time Max Muncy launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th, the fans who stayed were witnessing not just victory — but history.
A Night That Redefined Endurance
The 2018 Fall Classic was already a heavyweight clash between two storied franchises. But Game 3 stood out for its sheer intensity and staying power.
- Final score: Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2
- Total innings: 18 — doubling the traditional nine-inning length
- Duration: 7 hours 20 minutes, surpassing every previous record
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Winning moment: Max Muncy’s walk-off homer in the 18th inning
Before this epic, the longest games in World Series history had lasted 14 innings (notably in 1916, 2005, and 2015). But nothing had ever reached the 18-inning mark.
Every Inning Felt Like a New Game
The night began as a pitchers’ duel between Walker Buehler and Rick Porcello, both delivering quality starts. Yet as the game moved into extras, it transformed into a test of mental and physical stamina.
- Both teams cycled through every available reliever.
- Fielders shifted, cramps set in, and energy drinks flowed freely in dugouts.
- Fans inside Dodger Stadium chanted, cheered, and napped in turns as midnight came and went.
Even broadcasters began to joke that the post-game show might need to air at dawn.
The Decisive Swing
After 17 innings of gridlock, Max Muncy stepped up in the 18th and connected on a Nathan Eovaldi pitch. The ball sailed over the left-center fence — ending the marathon and erupting the stadium in delirious celebration.
“I can’t even describe the feeling,” Muncy said later. “At that point, it wasn’t just about winning. It was surviving.”
The walk-off cemented his place in Dodgers lore and gave Los Angeles their only win of the series, though Boston would ultimately claim the championship.
Historical Context
| Category | Record | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| Innings | 18 | 14 (1916, 2005, 2015) |
| Duration | 7 hours 20 minutes | 5 hours 41 minutes (2005 WS Game 3) |
| Pitches thrown | Over 560 | N/A |
| Players used | 46 total | Most ever in a WS game |
The game lasted longer than the entire 1939 World Series, which was completed in just 7 hours 5 minutes over four games.
The Fans Who Stayed Till Dawn
As the clock pushed past 3 a.m. ET, many fans still refused to leave. On social media, #WorldSeries18 and #DodgersRedSox trended worldwide. Some joked that breakfast concessions should open at Dodger Stadium.
For those watching from home, the game became a badge of honor: if you stayed awake to the final pitch, you witnessed something no baseball generation had seen before.
Legacy and Impact
This epic contest changed the way teams and analysts think about postseason endurance. Managers began emphasizing bullpen depth and late-night preparation more than ever.
For players, it proved that baseball’s drama doesn’t depend on speed — it depends on heart, patience, and the will to outlast your opponent.
“It was exhausting,” said Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts, “but unforgettable. This is why you play the game.”