Yamamoto Named World Series MVP in Dodgers’ Epic Title Win over Blue Jays/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Yoshinobu Yamamoto capped an epic postseason with a clutch relief performance in Game 7, securing the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the Blue Jays and earning MVP honors. Shohei Ohtani exited early after surrendering a three-run homer but celebrated his second straight championship. The Dodgers overcame adversity to win in 11 innings.
Yamamoto’s Masterclass – Quick Looks
- Yamamoto pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief on short rest
- Named World Series MVP after 1.09 ERA across three appearances
- Will Smith’s 11th-inning home run proved decisive in 5-4 win
- Yamamoto became fourth pitcher to win Games 6 and 7 in same Series
- Game 7 cap headed to Cooperstown after MVP performance
- Ohtani chased in 3rd inning after Bo Bichette’s 3-run homer
- Ohtani still earned second World Series ring in as many seasons
- Dodgers repeat as champions with second straight Fall Classic victory
- LA’s bullpen and lineup depth proved pivotal in extra-inning finish
- Blue Jays’ late rally fell short despite strong effort from Guerrero and Bichette
Deep Look
Yamamoto Closes Out Dodgers’ Repeat Title with Game 7 Brilliance as Ohtani Leaves Early
TORONTO — On the grandest stage in baseball, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a Game 7 performance for the ages. Pitching on short rest, just a day after throwing 96 pitches in Game 6, the Japanese ace emerged from the bullpen to silence the Toronto Blue Jays in the final three innings and secure the Los Angeles Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series championship.
The 27-year-old right-hander navigated high-pressure situations with ice-cold efficiency, preserving a narrow 5-4 lead in extra innings. For his remarkable efforts across three appearances — including a complete game in Game 2 — Yamamoto was named World Series MVP.
“So tired I could barely hold the trophy,” Yamamoto admitted through a translator. “But when I got warm, I knew I could do the job.”
And he did. His Game 7 cap is already en route to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, a testament to a postseason run in which he went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings.
Dodgers Trust Their Ace on Short Rest
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said sending Yamamoto back to the mound less than 24 hours after his Game 6 start was bold — even risky — but ultimately the right move.
“He’s the GOAT!” Roberts shouted as his team celebrated. “He gave us everything and more.”
Yamamoto closed the ninth with the bases loaded, breezed through the 10th, and worked around a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. double in the 11th to seal the win. His name now sits alongside legends like Randy Johnson, Harry Brecheen, and Ray Kremer as one of just four pitchers to win both Games 6 and 7 of a single World Series.
Will Smith Provides the Power
While Yamamoto shut the door, it was catcher Will Smith who gave the Dodgers the lead for good. His solo homer in the top of the 11th broke a 4-4 tie and set the stage for Yamamoto’s closing act.
“That was incredible,” Smith said of Yamamoto. “I told him, ‘Give us one inning, we win.’ He gave us three.”
Ohtani Struggles, But Ends Season a Champion
Shohei Ohtani’s Game 7 outing didn’t go as planned. Making his second World Series start on just three days’ rest, the two-way superstar was pulled in the third inning after surrendering a three-run home run to Bo Bichette.
Ohtani allowed three runs and five hits in just 2 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out three. His 51st pitch — a hanging slider — was hammered 442 feet to left field by Bichette, giving Toronto a temporary 3-2 lead.
Despite the rough outing, Ohtani ends the season as a back-to-back champion. He also made history as the first starting pitcher in a winner-take-all World Series game to collect multiple hits, including a leadoff single in the first and another in the fifth.
“Shohei’s season was unbelievable,” Roberts said. “He’ll be the MVP. No doubt.”
Ohtani hit .297 with a league-best 55 home runs and 102 RBIs during the regular season, adding eight postseason homers. On the mound, he went 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts during the regular season, and 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in the playoffs.
Toronto’s Valiant Effort Falls Just Short
The Blue Jays, seeking their first World Series title since 1993, fought hard. Guerrero Jr. and Bichette led a scrappy offense that pushed the Dodgers to the brink. Guerrero had a leadoff double in the 11th, but Yamamoto’s poise ensured the lead held.
Bichette, dealing with a lingering knee injury, came alive in the Series’ biggest moment with his three-run shot. It was his first home run since early September and nearly swung the momentum.
A Repeat Title for the Dodgers
The victory marks the Dodgers’ second straight championship, this time overcoming adversity with pitching depth, timely hitting, and the heroics of Yamamoto. He joins Orel Hershiser and Sandy Koufax as legendary Dodgers arms who’ve left their mark on the Fall Classic.
Yamamoto’s World Series numbers:
- Record: 3-0
- ERA: 1.09
- Innings pitched: 17 2/3
- Strikeouts: 15
- Walks: 2
- Hits allowed: 10
His Game 2 complete game was the first in a World Series since 2015, and his combined efforts make him just the second pitcher since 1969 to win three games in one Series — the other being Randy Johnson in 2001.
Now, with October glory in the books, Yamamoto gets what he’s earned: a long rest.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.