TORONTO — Following an unexpected one-day setback, the $400 million Dodgers swiftly returned to their winning ways, showcasing their hallmark strengths: exceptional starting pitching, home run power, impeccable defense, and minimal reliance on their bullpen.

This high-priced team demonstrated why they are favored to repeat as World Series champions, securing a smooth 5-1 victory after a disconcerting performance that had some questioning their sharpness. In Game 2, the Dodgers confidently reasserted their dominant form.

Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who secured a record-breaking $325 million contract for a pitcher (pending Tarik Skubal’s upcoming deal), delivered the performance expected of him, particularly after co-ace Blake Snell’s surprising struggle the previous day. Yamamoto outdueled Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, whose impressive streak of retiring 17 consecutive Dodgers was disrupted by Will Smith’s decisive home run in the seventh inning. Yamamoto then upped the ante with 20 consecutive outs to finish the game.

In a display reminiscent of his NLCS outing in Milwaukee, Yamamoto impressively pitched a complete game, echoing the same 5-1 scoreline. His 105-pitch effort was nothing short of masterful.