In a stellar performance, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, tying the best-of-seven World Series at 1-1. Yamamoto, the Japanese right-hander, delivered a masterclass on the mound, pitching a complete game with just 105 pitches. This marked his second consecutive complete game in the postseason, a feat not achieved since Curt Schilling in 2001. Meanwhile, catcher Will Smith was the offensive powerhouse, driving in three runs to secure the Dodgers’ win. The game, held at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, was a stark contrast to the high-scoring opener, with both teams locked in a pitching duel for much of the contest. The Dodgers struck early in the first inning when Smith brought Freddie Freeman home, but Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman dominated afterward, retiring 17 consecutive batters. The Blue Jays managed to level the score in the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Kirk, but the Dodgers regained control in the seventh inning with back-to-back solo home runs by Smith and Max Muncy. The Blue Jays’ defense crumbled in the eighth inning, allowing the Dodgers to extend their lead with a wild pitch and another RBI from Smith. Yamamoto’s complete game ensured the Dodgers’ bullpen remained rested, setting the stage for the series’ shift to Los Angeles for the next three games. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday evening at Dodger Stadium.
