• Dodgers defeat Blue Jays 5-1 in Game 2, leveling the World Series at 1-1.
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a complete game, striking out eight batters.
• Will Smith contributed significantly with three RBIs and a pivotal home run.

The Los Angeles Dodgers leveled the World Series at one game apiece after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 in Game 2, thanks to a stellar performance from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Japanese ace delivered a complete game, striking out eight batters and walking none, while Dodgers catcher Will Smith drove in three runs, including a crucial home run in the seventh inning that secured the lead for the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts praised Yamamoto's focus, stating, “He was just locked in tonight,” reflecting the importance of this victory following a previous loss, according to SCMP, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.

Yamamoto, demonstrating remarkable endurance, pitched all nine innings and retired 20 consecutive batters during a dominant stretch of the game. His resilience provided the Dodgers' relief corps a much-needed break, contrasting sharply with their struggles in Game 1, a game they lost 11-4. The Dodgers struck first in Game 2, with Smith driving in Freeman on an early single, and although the Blue Jays equalized with a sacrifice fly from Alejandro Kirk in the third, they could not maintain momentum. Yamamoto’s control was evident as he dealt with immediate threats effectively, according to SCMP, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.

The game turned in the seventh inning when Smith and fellow player Max Muncy hit back-to-back home runs, providing the Dodgers with a two-run lead that they would extend with additional runs in the eighth inning. Yamamoto’s performance not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served to rekindle hope for the Dodgers in their quest to become the first team in 25 years to repeat as champions. Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman had a commendable outing, having retired 17 batters in a row until the sixth, but ultimately fell short. Both managers acknowledged the quality of the pitching displayed during this tightly contested matchup, according to SCMP, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.