UPDATE: In a stunning display of pitching prowess, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been named World Series MVP following an epic Game 7 performance that secured the Los Angeles Dodgers their second consecutive title on Saturday night.
Yamamoto delivered a remarkable 22⁄3 scoreless innings in relief, just a day after throwing 96 pitches in a crucial Game 6 victory. His performance in Game 7 showcased his resilience and skill, leaving a lasting mark in World Series history.
The Dodgers clinched the championship with a 5-4 win against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Yamamoto overcoming intense pressure in the ninth inning, escaping a bases-loaded situation to keep the score tied. He then skillfully maneuvered through the tenth and managed to protect a 5-4 lead in the eleventh inning, further solidifying his status as a postseason legend.
“Yamamoto is the GOAT!”
These were the triumphant words of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts just moments before the team hoisted the World Series trophy, celebrating their remarkable achievement.
Yamamoto’s Game 2 performance, where he pitched a four-hitter, marked the first complete game in the World Series since 2015. The 27-year-old right-hander is now the fourth pitcher in history to win both Games 6 and 7 of the same World Series, joining legends like Randy Johnson (2001), Harry Brecheen (1946), and Ray Kremer (1925).
“That was incredible,” said catcher Will Smith, who also hit the tiebreaking homer in the eleventh. “I told him yesterday, if you can give us one, we’re going to win. He gave us three. That was special.” Smith expressed excitement for Yamamoto’s well-deserved time off after such a grueling performance.
Yamamoto’s journey with the Dodgers began after signing a staggering $325 million, 12-year contract prior to last season. He concluded this World Series with a remarkable 3-0 record and a minuscule 1.09 ERA against the Blue Jays, striking out 15 batters while allowing only two runs and ten hits over 17⅔ innings.
His postseason prowess continued to shine as he retired the final 20 batters in Game 2, contributing to a 5-1 Dodgers victory. This performance followed a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series, marking a historic return to dominant pitching in the postseason.
Prior to Yamamoto, no pitcher had completed a game in the Fall Classic since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto in 2015, highlighting the significance of his achievements. With his eye-popping stats and clutch performances, Yamamoto is poised to become a household name in baseball.
As the Dodgers revel in their championship victory, the baseball world will be watching closely for what comes next for Yamamoto. His incredible talent and determination have solidified him as a key figure in the franchise’s future.
The Dodgers and their fans celebrate this monumental achievement, but the legacy of Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s exceptional performances will resonate long after the final game of this World Series.
