In Game 2, the Dodgers showcased why they entered the Fall Classic as favorites. Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a masterful complete-game effort, allowing just one run on four hits, walking none, and striking out eight. His performance included retiring the last 20 Blue Jays he faced, a feat reminiscent of postseason legends. Yamamoto became the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2001 to throw complete games in back-to-back playoff starts, and he handed the ball directly to Max Muncy after the final out—a gesture underscoring the magnitude of his outing (Yamamoto’s gem, pair of solo shots carry Dodgers in Game 2).
Offensively, the Dodgers were propelled by solo home runs from Muncy and Will Smith in the seventh inning, breaking open a tense duel between two aces. Smith’s homer, his first extra-base hit of the postseason after battling a late-season hand injury, was quickly followed by Muncy’s opposite-field blast—his record-extending postseason homer for the franchise. The Dodgers tacked on two more runs in the eighth, but Yamamoto scarcely needed the insurance.
The Blue Jays, who had brought back franchise legend Joe Carter for a ceremonial first pitch to relive his iconic 1993 walk-off, were stymied by Yamamoto’s arsenal. Toronto’s only run came on a third-inning sacrifice fly. Despite a lineup known for patience and power, they could not break through after the early innings. Blue Jays manager John Schneider credited Yamamoto’s command and pitch mix, noting, “He made it hard for us to make him work. He was in the zone, split was in and out of the zone. It was a really good performance by him.”
Looking ahead to Game 3, the narrative pivots to the pitching matchup and the series’ momentum shift. Max Scherzer will make history by becoming the first pitcher to start a World Series game for four different teams, having previously appeared with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Texas Rangers. Scherzer, chasing a third career title, is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four postseason appearances against the Dodgers, and recently led the Blue Jays past the Mariners in the ALCS. On the Dodgers’ side, Tyler Glasnow takes the mound after a strong postseason showing, including a 0.68 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings this October.
The stakes are high: Los Angeles is undefeated (9-0) this postseason when their starter goes at least six innings, but their bullpen remains a question mark. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need to “keep building on innings” offensively against Toronto, recognizing the Blue Jays’ ability to exploit weaknesses in relief. Toronto, meanwhile, expects to have Bo Bichette back in the starting lineup after a knee issue, adding to their already potent offense.
The battle between these two elite teams is shaping up to be a classic. With Shohei Ohtani already making postseason history for the Dodgers—his seven home runs this October are just one shy of the franchise record set by Corey Seager in 2020—the star power and statistical intrigue remain high. As Game 3 arrives in Los Angeles, all eyes are on whether the Dodgers can seize the upper hand at home or if the Blue Jays can reclaim momentum and edge closer to their first title since 1993.
For in-depth stats, box scores, and expert picks on the series, visit Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score, and for more on Shohei Ohtani’s impact, see Dodgers and Blue Jays discuss what makes Shohei Ohtani a special player.