Los Angeles Dodgers Catcher Will Smith Blasts Historic Pinch-Hit, Walk-Off Home Run

Will Smith came through for the Los Angeles Dodgers when the lights were brightest against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, playing the hero off the bench for the third time in his career.

Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after hitting a walk-off home run against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Instead of taking the day off, Will Smith played the hero Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off blowing a 3-1 lead to the San Diego Padres in the top of the ninth, brought the All-Star catcher off the bench with one down and no one on in the bottom of the frame. Smith fouled off the first two pitches he saw from Robert Suarez, then belted a 377-foot solo shot to right-center.

Smith rounded the bases for the third pinch-hit, walk-off home run of his big league career, cementing the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, that ties Smith for the second-most career pinch-hit walk-off home runs in MLB history. Jason Giambi leads the way with six, while Smith is slotted in behind him next to Charlie Culberson, Larry Sheets and Gates Brown.

Most career pinch-hit walk-off home runs, MLB history:

Jason Giambi: 6
Will Smith: 3
Charlie Culberson: 3
Larry Sheets: 3 (Gavin’s father!)
Gates Brown: 3 https://t.co/KZNQrHdl4R

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 19, 2025

Smith is now batting .333 with eight home runs, 41 RBIs, a .966 OPS and a 3.2 WAR this season.

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