In the playoffs, he became the first pitcher to throw consecutive complete games since Curt Schilling for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, and the first to pitcher to end a World Series game by retiring 20 consecutive batters since Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956. Yamamoto still doesn’t consider him a hero, and blushes when folks call him a Dodgers legend, but make no mistake about it — he would love to become the first Japanese pitcher to win a Cy Young Award, and add a few more to his trophy case as he begins the third year of his 12-year, $325 million contract. So, considering Yamamoto’s resume in Japan, why should anyone be shocked watching him throw a complete game in Game 2 of the World Series, pitch six shutout innings in Game 6, pitch 2⅔ innings in relief in their 5-4, 11-inning victory in Game 7, and win the World Series MVP with a 3-0 record and 1.02 ERA with 15 strikeouts?
Author: Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY
Published at: 2026-02-21 23:35:54
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