Yamamoto dominates as Dodgers stay alive and force Game 7 in 2025 World Series

The World Series will have to wait one more day to crown its champion. Thanks to another stellar outing from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays to force a decisive Game 7 this Saturday at Rogers Centre. Despite setting a strikeout record, Kevin Gausman took the loss.

Saturday’s matchup will mark the 41st Game 7 in World Series history. The last time the Fall Classic went the distance was in 2019, when the Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Texas to claim the title.

How World Series Game 6 unfolded

Game 6 featured a rematch between Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto - two starters who squared off less than a week ago in Game 2, where Yamamoto delivered a masterclass, going the distance to secure a win for the Dodgers. Friday’s duel followed a similar script, with another pitching showdown unfolding in Toronto.

The scoreboard remained untouched until the third inning. After Tommy Edman ripped a double, Blue Jays manager John Schneider opted to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani. With two outs, Will Smith made Toronto pay, lacing a double into left field to drive in Edman and put the Dodgers on the board.

Gausman’s troubles didn’t end there. He walked Freddie Freeman to load the bases, and if there’s one team that can capitalize in that situation, it’s the Dodgers. Mookie Betts - who’s struggled throughout the Series - came through in the clutch, singling to left to bring home two more runs. With a 3-0 lead, the Blue Jays were suddenly facing an uphill battle to clinch the title at home.

Despite surrendering three runs, Gausman etched his name into the record books. The Toronto ace struck out eight batters over the first three innings, setting a new MLB record for most strikeouts in that span during a World Series game.

Toronto responded quickly. With Addison Barger on third, George Springer singled to center to drive in the Blue Jays’ first run of the night. The road ahead was still long, but the home team was beginning to chip away.

Yamamoto’s night ended after six strong innings. He threw 96 pitches, allowed just one run, walked one, and struck out six - leaving the game with a two-run cushion and the Dodgers eyeing a Game 7.

Justin Wrobleski took over in the seventh and, despite giving up a double to Ernie Clement, escaped the inning unscathed. With only six outs remaining, Toronto’s offense needed to rally to keep their championship hopes alive.

In the eighth, the Dodgers turned to Roki Sasaki. He gave up a leadoff single to Springer, then got Nathan Lukes to fly out before walking Vladimir Guerrero Jr., putting runners on first and second. But Sasaki didn’t flinch. He retired Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho to preserve the lead and move the Dodgers within three outs of victory.

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