URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a vital 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the World Series, thanks to an outstanding performance from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who completed his second consecutive complete game on July 15, 2025. This remarkable feat marks the first complete game in the World Series since 2015, tying the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
Yamamoto, who previously pitched a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series, showcased his dominance again by allowing just four hits and striking out eight batters. He retired his last 20 batters, illustrating his control and skill on the mound.
This victory is crucial for the defending champions, the Dodgers, who are now 7-1 in games started by Yamamoto, who improved to 5-1 over two postseasons. The 27-year-old right-hander threw 105 pitches, with 73 for strikes, after a challenging first inning where he used 23 pitches to escape unscathed.
The game turned decisively in the seventh inning when Will Smith broke a 1-1 tie with a home run off Kevin Gausman, who had previously retired 17 batters in a row. Following Smith’s homer, Max Muncy added another solo shot, extending the lead. Smith finished the night with three RBIs, further solidifying his impact on the game.
“Yamamoto was incredible tonight,” said Dodgers manager. “His ability to control the game was key to our success.”
Despite a shaky start, where he allowed a run in the third inning due to a hit by pitch on George Springer and a subsequent single by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Yamamoto regained his composure and did not allow another runner to reach base.
The Dodgers made their mark early, scoring in the first inning after Freddie Freeman hit a two-out double and scored on Smith’s single. The Blue Jays had their chances, including a threatening moment in the second inning, but Yamamoto’s resilience shone through as he struck out key batters.
Looking ahead, Game 3 features veteran pitcher Max Scherzer for the Blue Jays against Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is set to make history as the first pitcher to start in the World Series for four different teams. Glasnow enters with an impressive 0.68 ERA this postseason, raising the stakes for the upcoming match.
The series will resume on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, as both teams look to gain momentum. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await what promises to be another thrilling game.
