UPDATE: In a stunning display of pitching prowess, Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday night. This victory ties the best-of-seven series at one game apiece and marks Yamamoto’s second consecutive complete game, a feat not seen in the World Series since 2015.
Yamamoto’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, allowing just four hits while striking out eight batters and walking none. After a shaky start, he retired the last 20 batters he faced, showcasing his dominance throughout the game. This is particularly remarkable as no pitcher has thrown consecutive complete games in the postseason since Curt Schilling did so in 2001.
The Dodgers took an early lead in the first inning, with Freddie Freeman hitting a two-out double and scoring on Will Smith‘s single. Smith later broke a 1-all tie with a powerful home run in the seventh inning off Kevin Gausman, who had previously retired 17 batters in a row. Max Muncy added a solo homer later that inning, solidifying the Dodgers’ advantage.
“Yamamoto has been phenomenal for us,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “His ability to command the game is unparalleled.”
With this win, Yamamoto improves to 5-1 in postseason play, while the Dodgers have a stellar 7-1 record in games he starts. He threw a total of 105 pitches, with 73 for strikes, and handled the pressure with remarkable poise.
Yamamoto’s only blemish came in the third inning when he hit George Springer with a pitch, leading to a run-scoring single from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. However, after that moment, he did not allow any more Blue Jays to reach base.
Looking ahead, the series resumes on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, with Blue Jays righty Max Scherzer set to face Dodgers righty Tyler Glasnow. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, will become the first pitcher to start in the World Series for four different teams.
As the excitement builds for Game 3, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Yamamoto can continue his remarkable postseason performance and help the Dodgers reclaim their title.
