The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back from their opening defeat with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the 2025 World Series, thanks to a sensational complete-game performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a powerful display at the plate by Will Smith.
Yamamoto, the Japanese ace, once again showed his brilliance on the mound, throwing a nine-inning complete game on just 105 pitches — his second in a row this postseason — as he silenced a dangerous Blue Jays lineup to help the Dodgers tie the series 1-1.
Yamamoto’s Historic Feat
With his masterful display, Yamamoto became the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2001 to throw back-to-back complete games in MLB’s postseason. The 26-year-old right-hander mixed pinpoint control with devastating off-speed pitches, limiting Toronto to just one run while striking out eight and walking none.
After conceding a sacrifice fly to Alejandro Kirk in the third inning, Yamamoto locked in completely, allowing only three baserunners across the next six innings. His efficiency and rhythm prevented the Dodgers’ bullpen — which struggled badly in Game 1 — from even warming up.
“Yamamoto was in total command tonight,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Every pitch had intent. He’s built for this stage.”
Will Smith Leads Dodgers’ Offensive Charge
While Yamamoto stole the headlines with his pitching, catcher Will Smith delivered at the plate, driving in three RBIs and leading the Dodgers’ resurgence.
Smith got the Dodgers rolling in the first inning, bringing home Freddie Freeman with a sharp single to left. After Toronto’s Kevin Gausman settled into a dominant rhythm — retiring 17 straight batters — the Dodgers’ offense reignited in the seventh inning.
Smith broke the deadlock with a solo home run over the left-field wall, immediately followed by Max Muncy, who sent another blast into the Toronto night to give the Dodgers a 3-1 advantage.
In the eighth, Toronto’s unraveling continued — a wild pitch scored another run before Smith capped off his stellar night with an RBI single, making it 5-1 Dodgers.
“We knew we had to respond after Game 1,” Smith said. “Yoshi gave us a chance, and it was up to us hitters to back him up. Everyone fed off his energy tonight.”
Blue Jays Falter Despite Gausman’s Strong Start
Toronto’s Kevin Gausman was superb early, bouncing back after conceding a first-inning run to retire every batter he faced through six innings. But his brilliance faded in the seventh, when the Dodgers’ power hitters finally adjusted.
Gausman’s line — 7 innings, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 0 walks, 9 strikeouts — hardly reflected how well he pitched through most of the night. But the two homers in quick succession proved decisive, turning a tight pitching duel into a comfortable Dodgers win.
Manager John Schneider acknowledged the turning point:
“Gausman was lights-out for most of the game. One inning changed everything — that’s baseball in October.”
Dodgers’ Defense and Energy Shift the Momentum
After being outclassed in the 11-4 Game 1 defeat, the Dodgers showed much greater discipline and intensity. Defensive standouts from Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman prevented potential Toronto rallies, while Yamamoto’s command neutralized sluggers Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who went a combined 1-for-8.
The win ensures that the Dodgers head back to Los Angeles with momentum on their side, looking to capitalize on home-field advantage for the next three games.
World Series Schedule & Results
- Game 1: Blue Jays 11–4 Dodgers
- Game 2: Blue Jays 1–5 Dodgers
- Game 3 (in LA): Monday, 27 October
- Game 4 (in LA): Tuesday, 28 October
- Game 5 (in LA): Wednesday, 29 October
- Game 6 (if needed, in Toronto): Friday, 31 October
- Game 7 (if needed, in Toronto): Saturday, 1 November
Looking Ahead: Dodgers Eye Series Lead at Home
As the World Series shifts to Dodger Stadium, all eyes will be on whether Yamamoto’s brilliance can inspire a sustained turnaround for the reigning champions.
The Dodgers are expected to start Walker Buehler in Game 3, while the Blue Jays will counter with Chris Bassitt. Both teams know the importance of the next contest — since 1985, 73% of teams that win Game 3 after being tied 1-1 have gone on to lift the World Series trophy.
“We’ve got our fans behind us now,” said Yamamoto postgame. “This series is far from over, but we’re ready to fight.”
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