Yamamoto makes history as Dodgers level World Series

Game 2 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays turned into a classic pitchers’ duel, ultimately tipping in favor of the Dodgers thanks to a masterful, historic performance by Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The Japanese ace went the distance, tossing a complete game gem, while catcher Will Smith drove in three runs to lead L.A. to a 5-1 win. With the series now tied, the Dodgers head back to Los Angeles with momentum after splitting the first two games in Toronto.

This World Series marks a special moment for Toronto - 32 years since the Fall Classic last graced the city. The Blue Jays organization has embraced the occasion, paying tribute to franchise legends at every turn. On Friday, former manager Cito Gaston threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Saturday belonged to Joe Carter, whose iconic walk-off home run in 1993 still resonates deeply with fans across the city.

How Game 2 unfolded:

Just like in Game 1, the Dodgers struck first. With two outs in the top of the second, Will Smith laced a line drive into the gap, scoring Freddie Freeman from second and giving L.A. an early edge.

Toronto answered in the bottom of the third. With runners on the corners, Mexican catcher Alejandro Kirk lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home George Springer. The Blue Jays had squandered a similar opportunity in the first inning, but this time they capitalized.

After the early scoring, the game settled into a tense battle of arms and gloves. Kevin Gausman and Yamamoto matched each other pitch for pitch, each showcasing elite command and poise. Defensively, the highlight came from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who chased a foul ball all the way to the Dodgers’ dugout, making a gritty grab that helped Gausman notch his 16th consecutive out.

Smith, one of the Dodgers’ hottest hitters this postseason, broke the deadlock in the seventh. He turned on a Gausman fastball and launched it 107.5 mph over the left-field wall to put L.A. back on top, 2-1.

Moments later, with two outs, Max Muncy followed suit. He crushed another Gausman heater - this one at 100.9 mph -for a solo shot that extended the lead to 3-1 and put the Blue Jays on their heels.

Things unraveled further for Toronto in the eighth. Reliever Louis Varland loaded the bases before being pulled. Jeff Hoffman came in to limit the damage but surrendered two more runs before escaping the inning. With the score at 5-1 and Yamamoto dealing, a comeback looked increasingly unlikely.

Yamamoto was simply untouchable. He recorded his second consecutive complete game of the postseason, becoming the first Japanese pitcher in MLB history to achieve that feat. He’s also the first pitcher to do so since Curt Schilling in 2001. On top of that, Yamamoto is now the first Japanese starter ever to pitch in multiple World Series games.

What’s next in the World Series?

The series shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3, 4, and 5 starting Monday. Max Scherzer is slated to start for the Blue Jays, while Tyler Glasnow will take the mound for the Dodgers. With the series tied 1-1, Game 3 could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of this year’s Fall Classic.

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