Old School Pitching Shined In Game Two Of The World Series

[Sam Charles]

Playoff baseball is a rollercoaster, and the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays have ridden every twist and turn. Game two of the World Series wasn’t a disaster, but it also didn’t showcase the offensive fireworks fans have come to expect. Instead, it was a throwback, a duel between two elite pitchers that reminded us why October baseball is so fun.

Facing the Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Jays showed early promise but couldn’t capitalize. Yamamoto, who had already thrown a complete game in his last start against the Brewers in the NLCS, delivered another masterpiece of nine innings, four hits, one earned run, zero walks, and eight strikeouts on 105 pitches. His six-pitch arsenal, ranging from 70 to 98 mph, kept Toronto hitters guessing all night. After allowing a third-inning sac fly, Yamamoto retired 20 consecutive batters to close out the game.

It was the first complete game in the World Series since Johnny Cueto in 2015, and Yamamoto became the first pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games in the postseason since Curt Schilling in 2001. In an era dominated by bullpen usage and pitch counts, Yamamoto’s performance was a rare gem.

Kevin Gausman was equally impressive for much of the night. He requested an extra day off to align with his regular rest, and it paid off. At one point, Gausman retired 17 straight batters, utilizing his fastball to set up his devastating splitter. His final line: 6 2/3 innings, four hits, three earned runs, two home runs allowed, nine strikeouts. The game was tied 1-1 until the seventh inning, when Will Smith and Max Muncy hit back-to-back homers. The Dodgers added two more runs in the eighth against the Jays’ pen, capitalizing on a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice. The 5-1 loss ties the series at one game apiece.

This game was a reminder of the pitching battles that defined the playoffs of the past. Both starting pitchers managed their pitch counts well, thanks in large part to aggressive hitters looking to strike early. Watching Yamamoto and Gausman trade zeros brought back memories of the Blue Jays' legendary starters Dave Stieb, Jimmy Key, Jack Morris, Dave Stewart, Juan Guzman, David Cone, and Roy Halladay.

Complete games in the World Series have become increasingly rare. Since 2000, only a handful of complete games have been thrown in the Fall Classic. Yamamoto’s performance was a throwback.

As for the Blue Jays, their starters have played a central role in a postseason that has led them to what is now a best-of-five World Series. Trey Yesavage has played far beyond expectations, making it nearly impossible to describe his impact. He’s thrown 19 innings across four starts, striking out 27 batters with a 4.26 ERA. His debut against the Yankees featured 11 strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and he helped stave off elimination in Game 6 of the ALCS against Seattle.

Max Scherzer, the one-time Dodger, has also contributed, earning a win in Game 4 of the ALCS. It was somewhat surprising considering his poor performances leading up to the playoffs. Though no longer the overpowering ace of his prime, Scherzer’s experience and determination have been invaluable and on full display.

Shane Bieber, acquired midseason, has pitched 12 1/3 innings with 15 strikeouts and a 4.38 ERA. His control and poise have made him a reliable third starter. He is scheduled to start game four on Tuesday night.

Louis Varland, another trade deadline acquisition, has been John Schneider’s workhorse out of the bullpen, appearing in 10 of the Jays’ 11 postseason games, striking out 13 in 11 innings with a 3.27 ERA. He pitched yesterday and was not as effective as he has been so far in the playoffs.

Don’t forget Jeff Hoffman, who also pitched yesterday and, despite the wild pitch that seemed to hit Freddie Freeman, has settled a bit since a rocky end to the regular season. In the playoffs, he has two saves and allowed just one earned run in 7 1/3 innings.

The Blue Jays’ rotation depth has been a key factor in their playoff run. With Game 3 shifting to Los Angeles, Scherzer is set to face Tyler Glasnow, another pitcher with a dominant postseason resume. Glasnow has posted back-to-back eight-strikeout performances, and the Dodgers’ lacklustre bullpen is well-rested thanks to Yamamoto’s complete game.

The Jays facing starters like Glasnow and Blake Snell feels like we are up against the Devil Rays.

Looking ahead in this series, the Jays will need their starters to continue delivering quality innings. The offense, which exploded for 11 runs in Game 1, was stifled in Game 2. Facing Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Snell on the road in Los Angeles in the next three games will be a daunting task.

But if Game 2 taught us anything, it’s that pitching still reigns supreme in October. And for fans of the Jays, seeing Gausman go toe-to-toe with Yamamoto was a reminder of the franchise’s proud pitching tradition.

Toronto has long been home to elite arms. In 1992 and 1993, the Jays rode strong pitching to back-to-back World Series titles. In 2025, they’ll need their starters to channel that same magic.

This season has seen stretches of inconsistency from the Jays' pitching staff and lineup, but the playoffs have been a different story, at least in the two opening games against the Mariners. Since then, the starters have provided a strong foundation, allowing the offense to do its thing. With an MLB-leading 49 comeback wins this season, the Jays just need their pitchers to keep things close.

Game 2 may not have gone their way, but the series is far from over. With Scherzer, Bieber, Yesavage, and potentially Gausman lined up, and the offence ready and able to rebound, the Jays are still very much in the hunt.

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