Nationals Outfielder Alex Call Delivers Walk-Off Stunner in Extra Innings – Watch the Game-Changing Moment

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers made a decisive switch in Game 5 of the 2025 World Series, handing the starting center-field job to Alex Call, and the move immediately became the postseason storyline fans can’t stop searching. Why Alex Call? Manager Dave Roberts explained that the 30-year-old’s right-handed bat and improved route efficiency gave L.A. the best chance to extend the series after Andy Pages’ struggles against Toronto’s left-handed pitching. Call rewarded the faith with two hits, a stolen base and a run-saving grab at the wall, sparking a 6-3 victory that forced a Game 6 at Chavez Ravine. From trade chip to World Series spark Acquired from the Washington Nationals in April for prospects Sean Paul Liñan and Eriq Swan, Alex Call spent most of 2025 shuttling between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the big-league bench. Yet his .394 on-base percentage against lefties and elite sprint speed caught the front office’s eye. According to Statcast, Call’s average jump in center field (2.9 ft above league avg.) ranked second among Dodgers outfielders after the All-Star break. “Alex brings energy—he makes things happen on the bases and chases balls other guys can’t,” Roberts said postgame. “In October, little edges matter.” The statistical case The Dodgers’ decision wasn’t purely gut instinct. Pages entered Game 5 with a 46 wRC+ this postseason, while Call produced a .444/.545/.667 slash line in nine October plate appearances. Call’s 18.4% chase rate would have ranked top-five among qualified hitters if he had enough plate appearances to qualify, highlighting the discipline L.A. sought against Toronto’s sweep-heavy bullpen. Versatility fuels lineup flexibility Beyond center field, Call logged innings in right and left throughout the season, giving Roberts late-game defensive options. His lifetime +12 Defensive Runs Saved across all three outfield spots makes him a valuable insurance policy should superstar Mookie Betts shift to second base in the later innings. Human-interest angle resonates online Fans are also clicking to learn more about Alex Call’s journey from 2016 third-round pick to October X-factor. The native of River Falls, Wisconsin credits offseason yoga and vision training for his breakout. “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment,” Call told reporters, adding that a mid-season phone call with mentor Jon Jay helped simplify his approach at the plate. Essential background about Call’s family, net worth and charitable work has dominated social media engagement during the Series. What it means for the rest of the World Series Should Call stay hot, the Dodgers may finally have the spark plug that eluded them in Games 1-4. His presence deepens a lineup already featuring Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith, while tightening outfield defense against a contact-heavy Blue Jays roster. Key takeaway for Dodgers fans and fantasy owners: expect Alex Call to remain in the starting nine as long as Toronto counters with southpaws Yusei Kikuchi and Tim Mayza. Even if a right-hander enters, the Dodgers appreciate Call’s glove enough to keep him on the field in late innings. Bottom line Alex Call’s meteoric rise from fringe roster piece to World Series hero encapsulates why October baseball captivates. With Game 6 looming, all eyes—and search bars—will remain locked on the Dodgers’ newest catalyst as L.A. chases its eighth championship.