Yoshinobu Yamamoto demonstrated that he could adapt and thrive amid trying circumstances during his all-time great performance in the 2025 World Series. The best starting pitchers find a way to problem solve, whether it be on short rest or after getting in a jam. The fantastic right-hander did exactly that on Tuesday night, navigating early trouble and helping the Los Angeles Dodgers (92-59) secure a 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds (70-81).

Yamamoto walked the first two batters he faced, but he quickly settled down. Besides an Elly De La Cruz double, the two-time All-Star did not allow another base-runner during his seven innings of work. Even when he was not in command early against the Reds, Yamamoto still posted a stellar outing that included seven strikeouts. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not surprised that the Japanese star found his footing.

“The thing I've learned about Yoshinobu is he's able to reset on the fly; he's able to bear down and make pitches when he needs to get a double play, a strikeout, a pop-up,” the three-time World Series-winning skipper said, per SportsNet LA. “Those are separators when you're not totally locked in or in sync. You can still take a deep breath, reset and navigate an inning. And keep going.”

"The thing I've learned about Yoshinobu is he's able to reset on the fly; he's able to bear down and make pitches when he needs to."

Dave Roberts speaks to the media after the #Dodgers 4-0 win over the Reds. pic.twitter.com/FBG4EB8X3a

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 16, 2026

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto rarely implodes. The best a team can usually hope for is to catch him stumbling. Well, he was unbalanced early in this one and it did not matter one bit.

The 28-year-old is now 14-8 with a 2.51 ERA and 178 Ks in 179 innings pitched this season.