Yoshinobu Yamamoto reveals thrilling behind-the-scenes of the World Series: leisurely enjoying sushi before an 18-inning battle

Recently, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto recounted a dramatic episode from last year’s World Series during an event: in the 18-inning epic, although he was not scheduled to pitch, he rushed to the bullpen to warm up near the end of the game, almost performing the rare “one-day rest” pitching appearance. He confessed that he was torn inside and uncertain how to decide.

In Game 2 of last year’s World Series, Yamamoto had just thrown a complete 9 innings. According to the usual rotation, it was nearly impossible for him to pitch again in Game 3 after only one day of rest. However, that game turned into a prolonged tug-of-war, still tied after the 17th inning. When Yamamoto headed to the bullpen in the top of the 18th inning, his Japanese teammate Roki Sasaki was also shocked. Cameras caught Yamamoto warming up, ready to be called upon at any moment.

Fortunately, the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm in the top of the 18th inning, and then Freddie Freeman ended the game with a walk-off home run, concluding the grueling 6.5-hour battle. Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki immediately rushed to the bullpen to celebrate the victory with Yamamoto.

Reflecting on the event at a recent gathering, Yamamoto revealed his complicated feelings at the time: “Rather than hesitation, it was more like... it was Game 3, and I was originally scheduled to start Game 6. But when the game reached the 13th and 14th innings and pitchers were being used one after another, I really didn’t know what the right choice was under those circumstances.”

He originally had no plans to pitch that day and was supposed to watch the game comfortably. “At the start of the game, I was drinking coffee, feeling very relaxed. That day, a sushi chef came by, and around the 3rd inning, I even ate some sushi like a snack.”

The Dodgers host a “Sushi Friday” event during Friday home games, inviting a sushi chef to prepare fresh sushi for the players on-site. Yamamoto mentioned that perhaps due to the number of Japanese players and staff on the team, this event was especially enjoyable for everyone. “If it’s a starting day, you can’t eat it, but if I start on Wednesday or Thursday and Friday is a home game where I’m on the bench, it definitely lifts my mood.”

Although he avoided pitching on just one day’s rest in that 18-inning marathon, Yamamoto did pitch on zero days’ rest (less than 24 hours of rest) in the crucial Game 7. He said it was the first time since high school and admitted he also had doubts about whether it was the right decision. “Until the very last moment, I was thinking about it,” he described his inner struggle at that time.