Yamamoto Yoshinobu has pitched two consecutive complete games, setting a record not seen in 24 years, unquestionably finishing all nine innings.

During the second game of the 2025 MLB World Series, the Dodgers relied on Yamamoto Yoshinobu’s excellent complete nine-inning outing to even the series on the opponent’s field. He also became the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2001 to complete consecutive postseason games. Regarding today’s (26th) performance, manager Dave Roberts stated, "There was no doubt he would pitch all nine innings."

In fact, Yamamoto faced a challenge in the first inning, using 23 pitches. He admitted, "I never expected to pitch a complete game today because the pitch count rose quickly early on, but I’m very happy to have finished the entire game."

As for the high pitch count early in the game, Yamamoto explained how he managed it in the following innings: "As the game went on, I gradually made adjustments. Even in the inning where I gave up a run, it was just one run and the score was still tied. So, I just kept pitching."

It’s worth noting that Yamamoto’s complete game is the first by a pitcher in the World Series since Johnny Cueto in 2015. Manager Roberts praised his player, saying, "He was outstanding and highly competitive; tonight he was completely focused."

Roberts pointed out, "Yamamoto has pitched many important games in Japan and also participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), carrying his nation’s expectations. That is true pressure. I believe he has the genes in his DNA to perform well on the big stage."

Blue Jays manager John Schneider also gave high praise for Yamamoto’s performance after the game: "Even with rest days in between, to pitch complete games in two consecutive postseason matches is truly remarkable. We could hardly wear him down. He aggressively attacked the strike zone, and his forkball release and control of location were excellent. For him, this was a perfect pitching performance."

Today, Yamamoto earned his fifth postseason win, tying with Masahiro Tanaka and Yu Darvish for the most postseason victories by a Japanese pitcher.