In a thrilling Game 6 of the World Series, Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night. This win marked Yamamoto's second triumph against Toronto in just one week and set the stage for a decisive Game 7 in the series. Mookie Betts, who has been in a slump, came through with a pivotal two-run single during a three-run third inning, bolstering the Dodgers’ bid for their third title in six seasons.
Yamamoto, a 27-year-old right-hander, was not as dominant as in his previous Game 2 outing—a complete game that had not been seen in the World Series for a decade. Despite lasting six innings, he allowed only one run and five hits while striking out six batters and walking one. The sole run he surrendered came from George Springer's RBI single in the third inning. Springer made his return to the lineup after missing two games due to an injury on his right side.
Dodgers rookie relievers Justin Wrobleski and Roki Sasaki played crucial roles, combining for six outs. Ultimately, it was Tyler Glasnow who came in from the bullpen to secure the win for Los Angeles, escaping a tense ninth-inning predicament. In a remarkable performance, Glasnow needed only three pitches to fulfill his task. He induced Ernie Clement to pop out before watching Kiké Hernández turn a line drive from Andrés Giménez into a game-ending double play, sealing the Dodgers’ victory and preserving their chances for back-to-back championships.
Max Scherzer is set to start for the Blue Jays in the upcoming Game 7, having previously started in the last World Series Game 7 in 2019, when he received a no-decision as Washington clinched the title over Houston. Glasnow was originally slated to start for the Dodgers, highlighting the team's deep bullpen as they aim to secure consecutive titles, a feat last achieved by the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.
The Dodgers’ victory kept their aspirations of being recognized as a modern dynasty alive. Yamamoto’s recent performance included remarkable feats, such as becoming the first pitcher to achieve consecutive postseason complete games since 2001. His postseason record stands at 4-1, showcasing a stellar 1.56 ERA over five starts, including a remarkable 1.20 ERA in two World Series appearances.
In contrast, Kevin Gausman, who started for the Blue Jays, faced defeat at the hands of Yamamoto for the second consecutive time. Despite matching a World Series record with eight strikeouts in just three innings, Gausman yielded three runs and allowed six hits over six innings of work.
The Dodgers generated their offensive momentum in the third inning when Tommy Edman doubled with one out, followed by an intentional walk to Shohei Ohtani. Catcher Will Smith then sent a high splitter off the left-field wall for an RBI double, putting Los Angeles on the scoreboard. Freddie Freeman walked which set the stage for Betts. Betts, struggling with a 3-for-23 series, was moved down to the cleanup position for this game—his lowest batting order position since 2017. After falling behind 1-2 in the count, Betts capitalized on Gausman’s pitch, hitting the ball between shortstop and third base for a crucial two-run single, ending a franchise 0-for-13 streak with the bases loaded that dated back to the Division Series.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays—seeking their first World Series title since 1993—wore powder blue uniforms at home for the first time since September, hoping to replicate the success they experienced in Games 4 and 5 in Los Angeles. Despite a spirited effort, Toronto could only muster one run, with Addison Barger doubling to lead off the third inning, eventually scoring on Springer’s single.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an intense Game 7 as both teams vie for ultimate glory in the World Series. The Dodgers, under the leadership of Yamamoto and with a deep bullpen, face off against the Blue Jays, who will rely on Scherzer’s experience to bring home the championship.
