World Series 2025 Tied 1–1: Dodgers Ride Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Masterclass as Series Shifts to Los Angeles

The World Series 2025 heads to Dodger Stadium tonight with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays level at one game apiece. After Toronto exploded in Game 1, the defending champions answered in Game 2 behind a complete-game gem from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, resetting the Fall Classic and raising the stakes for a pivotal Game 3.

Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: Where the World Series 2025 Stands

Game 1 in Toronto was a statement from the Blue Jays, who jumped on Los Angeles early and often to seize a 1–0 series lead. The Dodgers flipped the script the very next night. In Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominated, going the distance in a 5–1 win that evened the series 1–1. The performance continued a blistering October for the right-hander, marking his second straight complete game this postseason and the first complete game thrown in a World Series in years. It also reaffirmed the Dodgers’ biggest advantage in this matchup: elite, strike-throwing starting pitching that shortens games and calms chaos.

Game 3 Tonight: Max Scherzer vs. Tyler Glasnow

Los Angeles returns home with momentum and the ball in Tyler Glasnow’s hand for Game 3. Across from him is a familiar October force: Max Scherzer, tabbed to start for Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT (1:00 a.m. BST). With the series tied, Game 3’s winner gains not just a 2–1 edge but also leverage on bullpen usage and lineup matchups for the back-to-back at Chavez Ravine.

What to Watch

• Glasnow’s fastball/slider mix vs. right-handed power: If he lands early sliders for strikes, it opens up elevated heaters for whiffs.

• Scherzer’s chess match with top-of-order lefties: Expect a heavy diet of cutters and changeups to neutralize pull power.

• Early baserunners: Both lineups have thrived when traffic builds. Limiting free passes will be decisive.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Ascendant October

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has become the World Series 2025 story within the story. He has delivered consecutive postseason complete games—an exceptionally rare feat in the modern, bullpen-heavy era—and his Game 2 efficiency (no walks, relentless strike throwing) suffocated Toronto’s rhythm. The ripple effects are strategic: a fully rested Dodgers bullpen entering the Los Angeles leg and the likelihood that Toronto presses earlier in counts to avoid two-strike putaway pitches.

If the series reaches a sixth game, Yamamoto’s current rest pattern sets him up for another marquee start. Opponents have struggled to lift his late-breaking splitter; if that pitch retains its depth, it’s a built-in advantage should he return to the mound.

Rotation Outlook and Lineup Notes

• Game 3 (tonight): Dodgers — Tyler Glasnow vs. Blue Jays — Max Scherzer

• Game 4 (Tuesday): Dodgers — Shohei Ohtani vs. Blue Jays — Shane Bieber (club guidance indicates these are the planned matchups; schedules can change)

Toronto’s lineup choices bear watching after shuffling in Game 2. Availability and placement at the top of the order—particularly for key contact bats—will influence run creation against power pitching. For Los Angeles, the heart of the order has begun to time high-velocity fastballs; if that continues at home, run prevention becomes Toronto’s biggest challenge.

Key Trends Through Two Games

• Hard-contact suppression: The Dodgers have tightened extra-base damage since Game 1, aided by Yamamoto’s command and improved outfield positioning.

• Solo-shot swing value: Los Angeles used solo home runs in the middle innings of Game 2 to flip the scoreboard—timely power has offset limited early traffic.

• Defensive execution: Clean infield play and quick exchanges have erased multiple potential Blue Jays innings before they could snowball.

World Series 2025 Schedule (Subject to Change)

* Starters beyond Game 4 are expected and may be updated.
** If necessary.

What It Means for the Rest of the Series

For Toronto, stealing one in Los Angeles is paramount; doing so would guarantee a return home with at least a split and a chance to clinch north of the border. For the Dodgers, holding serve in Games 3–4 sets up their rotation exactly as designed, with Yamamoto positioned for a potential Game 6 and multiple high-leverage relief options kept fresh.

the World Series 2025 has shifted from a blowout opener to a best-of-five with premier pitching on display. If Game 2 was a reminder of Yamamoto’s star power, Game 3 will reveal which supporting cast can seize the edge when the series pressure tightens in Los Angeles.