Yamamoto Carries Dodgers’ Dynasty Hopes into Game 6 Against Blue Jays
The los Angeles Dodgers’ season, and the last chance to cement a modern dynasty, now rests squarely on the shoulders of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the 2025 World Series, the Dodgers are pinning their hopes on the right-handed pitcher, despite a faltering lineup and a shaky bullpen.
The Dodgers can still believe, because they have Yamamoto. As outfielder Kiké Hernández put it, “The right guy, at the right time.” Yamamoto’s October performance has been nothing short of remarkable, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher as Orel Hershiser in 1988 to throw consecutive complete games in the postseason. But his clutch performances extend far beyond this fall, honed through years of success in Japan and on the international stage.
“He’s pitched in huge ballgames in Japan,” manager Dave Roberts recently stated. “He’s pitched in the WBC. Players that have the weight of a country on their shoulders – that’s pressure.”
Concerns surrounding the 12-year, $325 million contract handed to Yamamoto – a pitcher wiht no prior Major League Baseball experience – were largely silenced after his dominant performance in Game 2 of this series, delivering the first complete game in the World Series in a decade. Now, on Friday, Yamamoto will take the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center, with the Dodgers needing a victory to force a decisive Game 7.
As the stakes have risen,Yamamoto has consistently elevated his game.”To be honest, I don’t know why,” the pitcher admitted through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda.
Yamamoto’s arsenal is both deep and precise,allowing him to keep hitters off balance.In Game 2, facing Vladimir guerrero Jr. with runners on base, he challenged the Blue Jays star with four consecutive splitters, striking him out and escaping the jam. His curveball, with its varying velocity and movement, has become a notably potent weapon. “He gives them different looks, even though it’s the same guy,” pitching coach mark Prior explained.
“My favorite player,” said reliever Justin Wrobleski. “He just does things not a lot of people can do.”
His dedication was on full display during the marathon Game 3, when he approached Prior and offered to pitch despite already throwing 105 pitches in his previous start. Though his offer wasn’t immediately acted upon,Yamamoto reiterated his availability,demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the team. A graphic illustrating Yamamoto's pitch arsenal and usage rates would be beneficial here.
As infielder Miguel Rojas put it, “These guys are built different. They’ve done it before. I think Yamamoto has like four or five championships already, counting Japan. He knows how to do it and what to do to get it done.” The Dodgers have been careful with Yamamoto’s workload, ensuring he always pitches on ample rest. Even after throwing a 105-pitch complete game in Game 2, he was back throwing softly as Monday neared midnight, even reaching 97 mph on a fastball during a bullpen session.
The party following Freeman’s walk-off home run in Game 3 saw teammates mobbing him in elation, with Ohtani and Sasaki joining the celebration in the outfield alongside Yamamoto.Now, he’s set to be their savior once more in Game 6.
“That’s probably the only thing in my mind right now,” Yamamoto said.
