Yoshinobu Yamamoto has made history by being named the World Series MVP for the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing one of the most remarkable pitching performances in the history of the Fall Classic. In an exhilarating Game 7 on Saturday night, Yamamoto delivered an exceptional relief outing, helping his team secure a second consecutive championship by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays.
During the decisive game, Yamamoto pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings, demonstrating remarkable resilience just a day after throwing 96 pitches in a Game 6 win. He previously dazzled fans with a four-hitter in Game 2, marking the first complete game in the World Series since 2015. Manager Dave Roberts jubilantly declared, "Yamamoto is the GOAT!" just moments before the Dodgers celebrated their victory with the championship trophy.
The 27-year-old Japanese ace faced a challenging situation in the ninth inning, but he managed to escape a jam with the bases loaded and the score tied at 4-4. After a strong performance in the 10th inning, he thwarted a threat posed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s leadoff double, preserving a narrow 5-4 Dodgers lead to cement the victory.
Originally signed from Japan to a staggering $325 million, 12-year contract prior to the season, Yamamoto stood out against the Blue Jays, maintaining an impressive 3-0 record with a minuscule 1.09 ERA. Over the course of 17 2/3 innings, he struck out 15 batters while allowing only two runs and ten hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Yamamoto's extraordinary Game 2 performance was notable for being his second consecutive complete game in the postseason, as he retired the last 20 batters in a 5-1 victory for the Dodgers. This followed a stellar three-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), marking the first postseason complete game in eight years.
The feat of throwing complete games in the World Series has been a rarity in recent history, with no one accomplishing it since Johnny Cueto of the Kansas City Royals did it against the New York Mets in Game 2 of the 2015 World Series. Yamamoto’s Game 6 outing was slightly less dominant, as he surrendered one run and five hits over six innings, contributing to the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory to force a Game 7.
Including his win in Game 2 of the previous year's World Series against the New York Yankees, Yamamoto boasts an impressive 4-0 record with a 1.13 ERA across four Fall Classic appearances. Notably, the last pitcher before him to throw consecutive complete games in the postseason was Curt Schilling in 2001, who achieved three in a row during the NL Division Series and NLCS.
In terms of Dodgers' history, Orel Hershiser was the last pitcher to accomplish a solo Series effort, showcasing his skills in Games 2 and 5 against the Oakland Athletics in 1988. Additionally, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax made an indelible mark by pitching two complete games each in the World Series during 1963 and 1965.
Prior to his tenure with the Dodgers, Yamamoto was known for his prowess in Japan, pitching 12 complete games in his last three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Pacific League. With this latest performance, he continues to solidify his status as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball.
