Dodgers' Yamamoto clutch in relief, seals World Series MVP - ESPN

TORONTO — Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named World Series MVP for the Los Angeles Dodgers with one of the greatest pitching performances in Fall Classic history, including an epic relief appearance in Game 7 on Saturday night.

Yamamoto pitched 2⅔ scoreless innings in the clincher a day after throwing 96 pitches in a Game 6 win. He also threw a four-hitter in Game 2 that was the first complete game in the World Series since 2015.

«Yamamoto is the GOAT!» manager Dave Roberts shouted moments before the Dodgers hoisted the World Series trophy.

Yamamoto, 27, pitched out of a jam in the ninth inning, leaving the bases loaded and the score tied at 4. After cruising through the 10th, he worked around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s leadoff double in the 11th to preserve a 5-4 lead and lock up L.A.'s second consecutive championship.

Yamamoto is the fourth pitcher to win Games 6 and 7 of the same World Series, matching Randy Johnson in 2001, Harry Brecheen in 1946 and Ray Kremer in 1925.

«That was incredible,» said Will Smith, Yamamoto's catcher who hit the Dodgers' tiebreaking homer in the 11th. «You know, I talked to him yesterday, I was like, 'Hey, if you can give us one we're going to win.' He gave us three. That was special. He'll have a few months off. I know he's going to need it, but I'm just happy for him. That was awesome.»

Signed from Japan to a $325 million, 12-year contract before last season, Yamamoto was 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA against the Toronto Blue Jays. He struck out 15 and walked two over 17⅔ innings, allowing two runs and 10 hits.

The right-hander's Game 2 gem was his second consecutive complete game of the postseason. He retired the final 20 batters in a 5-1 Dodgers victory.

That came after a three-hitter against Milwaukee in