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Yamamoto's pitching was crucial here, especially coming off a strong outing. Despite giving up early trouble, he pitched a complete game, leaving the Blue Jays with limited offensive options. The strategy for the Dodgers centered around maximizing their bullpen arms and preserving their ace for a critical game three in Los Angeles.
The Importance of Pitch Variety and Pitching Savvy
One aspect that makes Yamamoto's performance extraordinary is his arsenal—he possesses six or more pitches, a trait not common among many pitchers. Historically, only a few, such as Dice K (Daisuke Matsuzaka), have been noted for such extensive repertoires.