Former Padre's ridiculous heroism wasn't quite enough in Dodgers' World Series epic

Eric Lauer was almost the Game 3 hero in the 2025 World Series. With the series all tied up at one win apiece, the lanky left-handed reliever probably didn't expect to pitch in this game. But suddenly, he became the Toronto Blue Jays' most important asset as they tried to steal a go-ahead series victory on the road in Hollywood.

The happy ending script didn't quite make print for Eric Lauer, but Padres fans (and all Dodgers haters) are proud of the performance he handed in on Monday night in Los Angeles. Lauer was the eighth Blue Jays pitcher to toe the rubber in this game, and he twirled 4.2 scoreless innings.

Former Padres pitcher Eric Lauer was tough as nails in Game 3 of the World Series

Lauer entered in the bottom of the 12th inning and held the reigning World Series champs scoreless entering the 17th inning. He struck out two batters, but his most clutch moment came in the bottom of the 13th frame. Allowing a leadoff double to Tommy Edman, he scampered to third base following a sacrifice bunt.

With the Dodgers looking to walk it off there, Lauer was able to keep Edman stranded and force a 13th inning.

Lauer began his MLB career in 2018 with the San Diego Padres and spent two seasons with the club before becoming a reliable arm for the Milwaukee Brewers. He had a bit of a breakout season with Toronto this year as a long reliever with a consistent option to start here and there.

Before the World Series, Lauer had only logged three innings this postseason, but now has 8.2 following two scoreless appearances vs. Los Angeles.

It's nice to see a former Padre succeed on the game's biggest stage, all while doing it against the Dodgers. Did he get the win? No, he didn't. But he showed the baseball world that he can pitch in the most difficult situations against the best team. That's pretty neat to see, and Padres country is proud of him for doing so.