Not Every Pitcher Can Be Yoshinobu Yamamoto: MLB Reality Check

The 2024 World Series has already delivered moments for the history books. Game 2 will be remembered as one of them.

The Toronto Blue Jays battered their way to an 11–4 victory in Game 1. They did it with disciplined at-bats and relentless pressure.

They tried to recycle that same strategy against Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. At first, it looked like it might work.

But Yamamoto responded with a masterclass in pitching. He made baseball history with the first complete-game victory in the Fall Classic since 2015.

This wasn’t just another win. It was a display of pitch sequencing, sharp command, and rare stamina in an era when complete games are almost a relic.

Blue Jays’ Early Strategy Meets Yamamoto’s Mid-Game Adjustment

The Blue Jays walked into Game 2 brimming with confidence after dismantling Blake Snell in the opener. Their plan was simple: grind out at-bats, run up the pitch count, and get into the Dodgers’ bullpen early.

In the first inning, they executed it perfectly, making Yamamoto throw 23 pitches. That raised early questions about his rhythm and control.

A Turning Point After the First Inning

What happened next stunned fans and analysts. After that opening frame, Yamamoto shifted gears entirely.

The long, grinding at-bats vanished. He found pinpoint accuracy and a rhythm that dismantled Toronto’s offense.

He retired the final 20 Blue Jays hitters in a row. He needed only 63 pitches after the first inning to do it.

The Art of Six-Pitch Command

Yamamoto’s dominance wasn’t about one overpowering pitch. He mixed six different pitches, each with purpose and timing.

Most pitchers rely on two or three options. Yamamoto showed the confidence and skill to throw all six for strikes.

Keeping Hitters Guessing

Every pitch had a role. He used his four-seam fastball to set the tone, then mixed in cutters and splitters to change eye levels.

Curveballs and sliders disrupted hitters’ timing. Even his sinker, which didn’t get swings and misses, set up his breaking stuff.

As Freddie Freeman pointed out, Yamamoto’s sequencing—especially with sliders and sinkers against Alejandro Kirk—felt almost untouchable.

The Significance of a Complete Game in Modern Baseball

These days, complete games are almost extinct. Teams lean on bullpens and keep starters on short leashes.

Yamamoto’s achievement stands out even more because it’s his second straight postseason complete game. He did it with efficiency and control, not just sheer effort.

Why the Dodgers Benefited Beyond the Scoreboard

The Dodgers didn’t just win. They got a night off for their bullpen, which is huge in a long series.

Now, with relievers fully rested, Los Angeles can play the matchups they want in the next games. That’s an edge you can’t always measure, but it matters.

Blue Jays’ Mindset Heading Into Game 3

Toronto’s hitters left the field frustrated, but the clubhouse stayed determined. The series is tied 1–1, and they know their approach can work if they keep the pressure on past the first inning.

The real challenge is making adjustments when a pitcher like Yamamoto changes the tempo early. They’ll probably see more of that from Dodgers starters.

Glasnow’s Opportunity — and Challenge

Next up for Los Angeles is Tyler Glasnow, an electric arm who’s never thrown a complete game. The difference between Glasnow’s workload and Yamamoto’s feat just highlights how wild Game 2 really was.

If Glasnow can pitch deep, he’ll keep the Dodgers’ bullpen rested and the momentum rolling. If he can’t, Toronto’s offense will have a shot to grab control back.

Key Takeaways from Game 2

Yamamoto’s outing will get picked apart for years. It wasn’t just a statistical rarity—it was a lesson in how command and creativity can be just as deadly as pure speed.

For fans, it felt like a reminder that there’s still real artistry in baseball. Even with all the analytics and pitch counts, a pitcher can still put on a show.

• Toronto’s grinding approach works, but it needs more than just a hot first inning.
• Yamamoto’s six-pitch mix keeps hitters guessing every at-bat.
• Complete games are rare and still a huge strategic weapon in the postseason.
• The Dodgers’ bullpen got extra rest, which could matter a lot soon.
• Game 3 looks wild on paper: Yamamoto’s proven stamina vs. Glasnow’s untested endurance at this stage.

Now the World Series heads to Toronto. Will Game 3 bring another pitching clinic or just a slugfest? Who knows, but Yamamoto’s Game 2 already feels legendary.

 
Here is the source article for this story: They Can’t All Be Yoshinobu Yamamoto