Ohtani and Yamamoto make Japan proud helping Dodgers repeat as World Series champions

Millions of Japanese celebrated the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory, which was aided by pitcher Shohei Ohtani and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

TOKYO — Sunday morning in Japan began with a palpable buzz after the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Shohei Ohtani would start Game 7 of the World Series.

By the time countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered the final out, Tokyo was erupting with joy.

“I am so proud today to be Japanese,” said cab driver Seiichiro Okada, who pulled his car to the side of the road to watch the ending. “To be able to watch these legends in real time is something else.”

A man wearing a shirt featuring Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Oshu on Saturday.Koij Ueda / APOhtani had two hits and also pitched, while Yamamoto earned World Series MVP after yet another stellar pitching performance as the Dodgers repeated as champions by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11 innings. Los Angeles trailed 3-0 and 4-2 but rallied with a tying homer from Miguel Rojas in the ninth inning and a tiebreaking homer by Will Smith in the 11th.

“I thought it was over for a second, but it was great,” said Hiroshi Hoshii, who was visibly teary-eyed.