The Los Angeles Dodgers have forced a Game 7 after being down 3–2 heading into Friday night. A big reason for their success this postseason has been Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In Game 2, he made MLB history alongside Toronto Blue Jays’ Kevin Gausman.
“Tonight, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (20) and Kevin Gausman (17) became the first opposing starters in MLB postseason history to each retire 14+ consecutive batters in the same game,” Opta Stats wrote.
Yamamoto also made his own mark, recording his second consecutive complete game of the postseason — a remarkable achievement under playoff pressure.
“Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a great outing for the Dodgers, throwing his second straight complete game while allowing only one run. He has been fantastic for the Dodgers this postseason, posting a 1.59 ERA through his four starts in October,” SI’s Aaron Coloma wrote.
Yamamoto was the Game 6 starter, and before the matchup, he was being called upon to deliver the game of his life.
“I’m not kidding when I say Yoshinobu Yamamoto might have to throw a shutout to force a Game 7. Might be the only way. I have zero faith in this offense to do anything. They’ll need to string together a few runs and just hope Yamamoto manages to pitch the game of his life,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris wrote.
Yamamoto delivered on Friday, and his performance throughout the World Series has been so dominant that David Ortiz declared him the MVP if the Dodgers finish the job.
“I’m going to make myself clear: If the Dodgers win the World Series tomorrow, Yamamoto is my MVP. Without a doubt,” Ortiz said on the air.
Yamamoto has undoubtedly been the Dodgers’ most consistent and valuable performer in the World Series. The offense has struggled at times, but his arm has carried the team when it mattered most.
The Dodgers will hand the ball to Shohei Ohtani in Game 7. With everything on the line, anything can happen — and this series has been a true classic.
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