Impressive Start by Mountain
In a pivotal Game 5 of the Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher, Mountain Yorinobu, showcased an impeccable performance that led his team to victory. Pitching five innings, Yorinobu allowed only two hits and no runs, displaying control and poise on the mound. This stellar outing was crucial in securing the Dodgers’ 2-0 win over the Padres, propelling them into the National League Championship Series.
Mountain’s Mastery Over Padres
The game began with Yorinobu setting a commanding tone, retiring the Padres in order in the first inning. Despite facing a threat in the third inning with two consecutive hits, Yorinobu managed a critical double play against Fernando Tatis Jr., quelling the Padres’ momentum. His subsequent innings were flawless, with no Padres player reaching base, culminating in a standing ovation from the home crowd as he exited the game.

Contract and Value
This season, the Dodgers secured Yorinobu on a record-breaking contract worth $325 million over 12 years, making it one of the largest deals in MLB history for a pitcher. Standing at 178 cm, Yorinobu may not be the most imposing figure on the field, but his arsenal of pitches—including a 95 mph fastball and a variety of off-speed pitches—confirms his status as a top-tier pitcher. His performance in Game 5 justified his hefty price tag, with media outlets like Dodgers Nation praising him for living up to his contract’s worth.
Contrasting Performances
While Yorinobu shined, the Padres’ starting pitcher, Darvish Yu, also delivered a commendable performance, pitching 6.2 innings and only allowing two runs. Unfortunately for Darvish, those two runs came from solo home runs, which were enough to saddle him with the loss in such a low-scoring game.
Conclusion and Upcoming Challenges
With this victory, the Dodgers are set to face the Mets in the National League Championship Series. Yorinobu’s performance has not only redeemed his earlier season struggles against the Padres but also set a high standard for his future appearances. As the Dodgers advance, the anticipation for their next games grows, especially with Yorinobu as a key player in their quest for a World Series title.