Yamamoto, Bullpen Deliver Under Pressure as Dodgers Force Game 7

Facing elimination and a hostile Toronto crowd, the Los Angeles Dodgers entered Game 6 of the World Series knowing there was no room for error. After dropping two of three games at home, the reigning champions trailed the Blue Jays 3–2 in the series and turned to their ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, to keep their title defense alive.

Yamamoto had been nothing short of spectacular throughout the postseason. The right-hander became the first pitcher in 24 years to throw back-to-back complete games in October, a feat that showcased both his efficiency and endurance. In his previous two outings, he allowed just two runs on seven hits across 18 innings — a level of dominance that made him the Dodgers’ best hope in Game 6.

While Yamamoto didn’t go the distance this time, he still gave Los Angeles everything it needed. He worked six strong innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out six batters over 96 pitches. His ability to control the strike zone and limit damage from Toronto’s powerful lineup set the tone early.

Manager Dave Roberts made the strategic call to pull Yamamoto before the seventh inning — a move that raised eyebrows given his recent form. With the Dodgers holding a 3–1 lead, Roberts trusted his bullpen to finish the job. For a team that has experienced both brilliance and breakdowns from its relievers, it was a decision that could define their season.

1. Wrobleski and Sasaki Hold the Line

Roberts turned first to second-year left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who has quietly emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable relievers during the postseason. The young pitcher entered Game 6 having thrown 2.2 scoreless innings in the series, and he maintained that perfect record with another calm, efficient frame. Wrobleski’s seventh inning was a clinic in composure. He mixed his fastball and slider effectively, inducing weak contact from a Blue Jays lineup eager to spark a rally. Each out was met with growing confidence from a Dodgers dugout that has come to trust its new generation of bullpen arms. Next came Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom who has been the revelation of Los Angeles’ October run. Sasaki faced immediate pressure in the eighth inning, allowing a hit and a walk that brought the Toronto crowd back to life. But his ability to recover — painting corners and forcing a groundout to end the inning — kept the Dodgers’ two-run cushion intact. The eighth inning may not have been flawless, but it embodied the Dodgers’ postseason identity: resilience under pressure. With the bullpen holding firm, Los Angeles needed just three more outs to force one last showdown.

2. Wrobleski and Sasaki Seal the Win

Justin Wrobleski, a second-year left-hander, was the first reliever summoned. His performance this postseason had been nearly flawless — 2.2 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays before Game 6. Wrobleski continued his breakout run by retiring Toronto in order, silencing the top of the lineup and restoring confidence in Roberts’ strategy. Next came Sasaki, tasked with navigating the eighth inning. Though he allowed a hit and a walk, his composure never wavered. Each pitch was delivered with intent, each moment handled with the calm of a veteran. The Blue Jays threatened but couldn’t break through, leaving runners stranded and keeping the Dodgers’ lead intact. The ninth inning loomed as a test of both endurance and belief. With their season on the edge, Los Angeles turned to the same formula that had carried them all year — frontline talent backed by a bullpen finally living up to its potential. One more clean frame would mean survival. One more scoreless inning would deliver Game 7 — and a chance at redemption.

3. Eyes on Game 7

If the Dodgers’ bullpen could protect the final three outs, the World Series would shift back to a winner-take-all finale. Yamamoto’s six-inning effort, Wrobleski’s efficiency, and Sasaki’s resilience offered a blueprint for postseason success built on teamwork rather than individual heroics. The Dodgers’ confidence heading into Game 7 reflected their season-long identity: resilient, patient, and unwavering. Toronto had proven formidable throughout the series, but Los Angeles still believed in its balance of pitching depth and timely hitting. For Dave Roberts, the decisions made in Game 6 symbolized a broader evolution — from a manager known for aggressive bullpen moves to one trusting his arms at every level of the roster. The gamble to pull Yamamoto early might define the Dodgers’ postseason narrative, for better or worse. Whether the bullpen’s composure holds or cracks under pressure will determine if Los Angeles extends its championship dreams or ends another season in heartbreak.