Key Highlights
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s heroic performance in Game 6 earned him high praise from David Ortiz.
- David Ortiz snubbed Shohei Ohtani for Yamamoto as his choice for MVP if the Dodgers win the World Series.
- Ohtani had a stellar performance throughout the World Series but struggled with injuries later on.
- The decision to choose Yamamoto over Ohtani has sparked debate among baseball analysts and fans.
Yamamoto’s Stellar Performance in Game 6
In what has been a dramatic turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers returned to Toronto with their backs against the wall. Down two games to nothing after losing back-to-back games at home, the team was under immense pressure. Manager Dave Roberts made some drastic changes to his lineup, including moving Mookie Betts down in the batting order to boost the team’s morale and unity.
Despite these efforts, it was Yoshinobu Yamamoto who truly saved the day.
His complete game performance on this occasion allowed only one run in 105 pitches, securing a crucial win for the Dodgers. This wasn’t the first time Yamamoto had pulled off such a feat; he had previously saved the team from an early deficit during Game 3 of the series. The impact of these performances made a significant impression on David Ortiz.
Ortiz’s Bold MVP Choice
David Ortiz, a three-time World Series champion and current FOX analyst, made his stance clear regarding the upcoming MVP selection. If the Dodgers were to win the World Series, he emphatically stated that Yamamoto would be his choice for MVP. “If the Dodgers win the World Series tomorrow, Yamamoto is my MVP,” Ortiz declared after Game 6.
This bold statement has raised eyebrows among both fans and analysts. Ortiz’s decision goes against the grain as it snubs Shohei Ohtani, who had a remarkable performance throughout the series. Ohtani started Game 1 with a home run in Toronto and later pitched an impressive game on very little rest, allowing only two runs despite battling through injuries.
The Debate Over Ohtani’s Snub
While Ortiz’s choice of Yamamoto is undoubtedly commendable for his performance, it has sparked debate about the fairness of snubbing Ohtani. Ohtani’s overall numbers remain impressive with a batting line of .318/.500/.864 and 7 hits, 3 home runs, 3 doubles, driving in 5 runs, and drawing 8 walks (including 5 intentional) in the six games so far.
Despite his struggles with injuries later on, Ohtani’s contributions to the team cannot be understated. His impact on the field was monstrous, especially during Game 3 where he reached base nine times in an 18-inning marathon.
This feat had not been seen in 83 years and tied a 119-year-old record with four extra-base hits.
The decision to choose Yamamoto over Ohtani has significant implications for the future of the Dodgers’ MVP selection process, as well as the perception of both players within the baseball community. As Game 7 approaches, all eyes will be on how this choice plays out and whether it holds up in the final analysis.
