Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Yoshinobu Yamamoto made a memorable World Series debut, leading the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 2. The 25-year-old Japanese ace pitched 6.1 impressive innings, allowing just one hit—a solo home run by Juan Soto. Yamamoto’s mastery of the strike zone, combined with his well-executed slider, curveball, and splitter, kept the Yankees’ potent lineup off-balance throughout the night.
After the game, Yamamoto reflected on his performance during a press conference, with translation assistance provided for the audience by Yoshihiro Sonoda. When asked about the effectiveness of his pitches, he attributed his success to precise pitch location and mixing his offerings well. “Everything was good, and then because I think [of] location and the height, you know, [it was] in the zone, out of the zone—everything was working well today,” he explained. His ability to control the strike zone was evident, as Yankees hitters struggled to make solid contact.
Yamamoto faced a challenging moment in the fourth inning when Soto launched a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1. Despite the setback, the right-hander showed his resilience by bouncing back and shutting down the Yankees for the remainder of his outing. “I gave up a home run and allowed them to tie the game,” he said. “But after that, I got run support, and I was able to keep them on zero.” Yamamoto’s composure allowed him to regain control, and the Dodgers’ offense responded, helping him secure his first World Series win.
The performance was especially significant, considering Yamamoto’s recent return from the injured list. He had been sidelined with an injury in June, and Game 2 marked one of his longest outings since coming back. When asked if this was the strongest he had felt since returning, Yamamoto replied, “By the time I came off the IL, I was already pretty much close to where I was before, and then I think I got better as I started pitching in games.” His steady recovery was evident, as he showcased the form that had made him one of Japan’s most dominant pitchers before joining the Dodgers.
Yamamoto also spoke about the emotions of pitching in his first World Series game. “It was kind of a mixed feeling,” he admitted. “I was very much looking forward to it and happy, but then I tried to focus on going into the game.” The pressure of the big stage did not seem to affect his performance, as he maintained his focus and executed his pitches effectively against one of the league’s toughest lineups.
With the Japanese-language press, Yamamoto discussed his pitching strategy, reflecting on adjustments made during the game. He explained how he focused on maintaining a calm and flexible approach to adapt between innings, which helped him handle challenges like issuing walks. Yamamoto expressed relief when he was taken out of the game, feeling a mix of relaxation and appreciation for the fans’ support as he left the mound.
Regarding Juan Soto’s home run, he acknowledged it was a well-hit pitch on the inside corner and emphasized the importance of quickly refocusing. He also noted balancing data and intuition with the catcher to effectively manage hitters like Aaron Judge.
The Dodgers’ win tied the series at 1-1, and Yamamoto’s ability to neutralize the Yankees’ bats played a crucial role. His pitching kept the game within reach for Los Angeles, allowing the offense to capitalize on their opportunities. With the victory, the Dodgers regained momentum heading into Game 3, where Walker Buehler is set to start.
As the series progresses, Yamamoto’s strong outing could be a pivotal moment for the Dodgers. His poise and command on the mound in his first World Series appearance demonstrate his ability to handle high-pressure situations. If the Dodgers can continue to build on this performance, they have a strong chance of capturing their second World Series title in four years.
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