Yamamoto Makes History with Back-to-Back Complete Games
Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered another masterpiece Saturday night, becoming the first pitcher in 24 years to throw consecutive complete games in the postseason.
The last time anyone pulled off this feat? That was Curt Schilling back in 2001, when he threw three straight complete games. Twenty-four years later, Yamamoto’s broken that drought in spectacular fashion.
His World Series Game 2 performance against the Toronto Blue Jays was vintage stuff – eight strikeouts, one earned run on four hits, and zero walks over nine innings. It followed up his NLCS gem against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he went the distance allowing just one earned run on three hits.
“I’m very happy, and I’d like to do this again and contribute to the team,” Yamamoto said after the game.
What makes this even more special? Yamamoto’s the first Dodgers pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games in the postseason since Orel Hershiser in 1988. That’s some serious company.
The performance wasn’t without its early struggles, though. Yamamoto admitted his command was off to start, including hitting George Springer on the wrist before Springer eventually scored on Alejandro Kirk’s sacrifice fly in the third.
“Early on in the first inning, I was kind of throwing with unnecessary tension, but I adjusted and then was able to execute my pitches,” Yamamoto explained. “I started feeling warmed up and then got into my groove.”
That adjustment ability is what you pay $325 million for over 12 years. The way Yamamoto settled in and dominated shows exactly why the Dodgers made that investment.
Dave Roberts has to love what he’s seeing from his ace. When Yamamoto’s on the mound, the manager can basically sit back and watch him work. It’s the kind of performance that takes pressure off the entire organization.
The numbers this postseason tell the story. Through four appearances, Yamamoto’s posted a 3-1 record with a 1.57 ERA across 28.2 innings. He’s struck out 26 batters and shown he can handle the biggest moments.
From where I’m sitting, this is exactly what championship runs are built on. Having a pitcher who can go the distance when it matters most – that’s invaluable in October. The Dodgers have found their workhorse, and he’s delivering when the lights are brightest.
All things considered, Yamamoto’s making his case as one of the most important acquisitions in recent Dodgers history. Breaking a 24-year drought is nice, but what really matters is how this sets up the rest of their World Series run.
