Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a historic performance in Game 2 of the 2025 World Series, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and evening the series at one game apiece. His dominant outing marked his second consecutive complete game in the postseason, a rare feat in Major League Baseball that has not been accomplished since Curt Schilling’s streak in 2001. Yamamoto’s masterful pitching helped the Dodgers stay competitive in the Fall Classic and showcased his immense talent under the intense pressure of the World Series stage.
Yamamoto’s performance on the mound was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of nine innings, he allowed only four hits and one earned run while striking out eight Blue Jays hitters. The game concluded with a popout to Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, sealing another remarkable start for the young pitcher. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Yamamoto’s effort, calling him “outstanding, uber competitive, special” and noting that he was “just locked in” throughout the game.
The significance of Yamamoto’s back-to-back complete games in the postseason cannot be overstated. He became the first pitcher since Curt Schilling—who famously pitched three consecutive complete games in the 2001 playoffs—to achieve such a mark. Schilling’s streak included pivotal starts in the National League Division Series and Championship Series, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s most reliable postseason pitchers. Before Yamamoto, the last pitcher to throw a complete game in the postseason was Justin Verlander during Houston’s controversial 2017 World Series run.
Despite the impressive final statistics, Yamamoto’s start was not without early challenges. The Blue Jays managed to get a leadoff hitter on base in each of the first three innings, putting early pressure on the Dodgers’ ace. In the bottom of the first inning, George Springer and Nathan Lukes positioned runners at first and third with no outs, threatening to give Toronto an early lead. However, Yamamoto skillfully navigated these jams, using a sharp combination of fastballs and splitters to keep hitters off balance. His 74 mph curveball was particularly effective, baffling Blue Jays batters and contributing to key outs throughout the game.
The only run Yamamoto surrendered came on a sacrifice fly by Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk, but beyond that, he dominated the Blue Jays’ lineup. Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman was holding his own for Toronto, matching Yamamoto pitch-for-pitch for much of the game. The tension broke in the top of the seventh inning when Dodgers players Will Smith and Max Muncy hit back-to-back home runs, giving Los Angeles a 3-1 lead and shifting momentum firmly in their favor.
The Dodgers added two more runs later in the game, providing a comfortable cushion for Yamamoto. Yet, even with the lead, the pitcher remained focused and composed, never allowing complacency to creep in. His command and poise under pressure were evident as he closed out the game with unwavering confidence. Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged Yamamoto’s dominance, describing him as “just that good” and noting how difficult it was for his team to make the Dodgers’ ace work. Schneider highlighted how Yamamoto’s splitter kept hitters guessing, moving in and out of the strike zone and making it tough for Toronto’s bats to get a rhythm.
With the series now tied, the focus shifts back to Los Angeles, where the World Series will continue at Dodger Stadium. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night at 8 p.m. ET, promising another intense battle between these two talented teams. The momentum gained by the Dodgers from Yamamoto’s historic outing could prove pivotal as both clubs vie for baseball’s ultimate prize.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s performance in Game 2 of the 2025 World Series stands as a testament to his skill, endurance, and mental toughness. His ability to pitch deep into the game while maintaining precision and control under the bright lights of the postseason is a rare quality that places him among the elite pitchers in baseball history. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Yamamoto to see if he can continue to anchor the Dodgers’ pitching staff and lead them to a championship.
For fans and analysts alike, Yamamoto’s back-to-back complete games have reignited discussions about the value of starting pitchers going deep into games in an era dominated by bullpens. His performances underscore how a dominant starter