Overview
- The Japanese right-hander finished Game 7 with 2 2/3 scoreless innings and ended it by inducing Alejandro Kirk into a championship-clinching double play.
- Across the series, he logged 17 2/3 innings with a 1.02 ERA, 15 strikeouts, 10 hits allowed, two runs and two walks.
- He took the ball on zero days' rest after starting Game 6, entering in the ninth inning of Game 7 to close out the title.
- His six-inning outing on Friday forced the decisive game after Los Angeles faced elimination.
- Signed to a 12-year, $325 million deal in December 2023, he said he was unsure he could pitch until he went to the bullpen and expressed joy in winning with his teammates.