Sun Oct 26 08:20:00 UTC 2025: Dodgers’ Yamamoto Channels Legends with Back-to-Back Postseason Complete Games
TORONTO – Yoshinobu Yamamoto etched his name in baseball history Saturday night, pitching a complete game gem to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the World Series. The win evened the series at 1-1, but it was Yamamoto’s dominance that captivated the baseball world.
The Japanese right-hander allowed just one run on four hits, striking out eight and retiring the final 20 Blue Jays batters he faced. This masterful performance came just 11 days after another complete game in the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, making him the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2001 to throw consecutive complete games in the postseason.
“I’ve been playing a long time, but I haven’t ever seen anything like this,” said Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.
In an era dominated by bullpen specialization, Yamamoto’s feat is particularly remarkable. The Dodgers signed Yamamoto to a record contract this past offseason, and after an early-season injury, he blossomed into a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Now, in the World Series, he’s delivering on his promise.
Yamamoto’s ability to mix his pitches and adjust to the Blue Jays’ lineup proved key to his success. After a shaky first few innings, he settled in and baffled hitters with his expansive arsenal, including his splitter, curveball, cutter, and fastball.
“It’s four or five pitches, and it feels like he could hit a flea with it,” said first baseman Freddie Freeman. “He can throw it wherever he wants. Sets up hitters. Understands hitters’ swings. He’s just incredible.”
The Dodgers now head home with the series tied, thanks to a performance that harkened back to baseball legends like Sherry Smith, Sandy Koufax, and Orel Hershiser. While Yamamoto admitted he wasn’t aware of the historical significance, he expressed his satisfaction with the win.
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