On October 14, 2017, history was made in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) when Houston’s Justin Verlander pitched a complete game with 13 strikeouts against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). It was a remarkable feat that had not been achieved in eight years. However, on October 14, 2021, another pitcher made his mark in the postseason record books. This time, it was Miami Marlins’ rookie, Sixto Yamamoto, who pitched a complete game in the playoffs for the first time since Verlander’s historic performance.
Yamamoto’s incredible performance came in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old right-hander dominated the Braves’ lineup, allowing only four hits and one run while striking out seven batters. It was a masterful display of pitching that left the Braves’ hitters baffled and the Marlins’ fans in awe.
The last time a pitcher had thrown a complete game in the postseason was in 2017, when Verlander did it for the Detroit Tigers against the Yankees. It was a memorable game that saw Verlander outduel Yankees’ ace, Luis Severino, and lead his team to a 2-1 victory. The fact that it took exactly eight years for another pitcher to achieve this feat speaks volumes about the difficulty of pitching a complete game in the playoffs.
For Yamamoto, it was a dream come true. The young pitcher had been called up to the Marlins’ roster just a few weeks before the playoffs began. He had only made six starts in the regular season, but his talent and potential were evident to everyone. And on the biggest stage of them all, he delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Yamamoto’s complete game was not just a personal achievement, but it also helped his team stay alive in the series. The Marlins were down 2-0 in the NLDS and desperately needed a win to keep their postseason hopes alive. And Yamamoto stepped up when his team needed him the most. He showed poise and maturity beyond his years and proved that he has what it takes to be a top pitcher in the MLB.
The last time the Marlins had a complete game in the playoffs was in 2003 when Josh Beckett threw a shutout against the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series. That game is still remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances in postseason history. And now, Yamamoto’s complete game will be added to the list of memorable moments in Marlins’ playoff history.
It is not easy for a rookie to handle the pressure of the playoffs, especially when facing a talented team like the Braves. But Yamamoto showed no signs of nerves or inexperience. He attacked the strike zone and trusted his pitches, and it paid off. His performance was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and mental toughness.
Yamamoto’s complete game also highlights the importance of having a deep and talented pitching staff in the playoffs. In a series where every game is crucial, having a reliable starter who can go the distance is a huge advantage. The Marlins’ manager, Don Mattingly, made a bold decision to start Yamamoto in Game 3, and it paid off in a big way.
As the MLB playoffs continue, it is clear that Yamamoto’s complete game will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this postseason. It was a historic performance that not only ended an eight-year drought but also announced the arrival of a young and talented pitcher in the league. Yamamoto’s complete game is a reminder that anything is possible in the playoffs, and that is what makes this time of the year so special for baseball fans.
In conclusion, Four years ago, Justin Verlander pitched a complete game in the postseason, and it took exactly eight years for another pitcher to achieve this feat. On October 14, 2021, Miami Marlins’ rookie, Sixto Yamamoto, pitched a complete game in the playoffs, ending the long wait. It was a remarkable performance that will be remembered for years to come. Yamamoto’s complete game is a testament to his talent, determination, and mental toughness. And it is a reminder that anything is possible in the MLB playoffs.
