Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shines in Dodgers’ NLCS Game 2 Victory

The Dodgers showcased their dominance in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, achieving a decisive 5-1 victory. This win was highlighted by an exceptional performance from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who delivered a complete-game effort.
Yamamoto’s Historic Performance
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, only 27 years old, silenced the Brewers’ offense throughout the game. He struck out seven batters while throwing 111 pitches, allowing only one run and retiring the last 14 hitters he faced. This was the first complete-game performance by a Dodgers pitcher since José Lima accomplished it in the 2004 NL Division Series.
Impact of the Brewers’ Offense
The Brewers initially got on the board with a home run from Jackson Chourio on Yamamoto’s first pitch. However, this momentum was short-lived. Milwaukee’s ace, Freddy Peralta, struggled against the Dodgers’ potent offense, giving up three runs over 5⅔ innings.
Key Offensive Contributions
- Teoscar Hernández tied the game in the second inning with a powerful home run.
- Andy Pages followed with a two-out RBI double, putting the Dodgers ahead 2-1.
- Max Muncy hit a crucial home run in the sixth inning, marking his 14th career playoff home run, a franchise record.
- Shohei Ohtani and Tommy Edman added further runs in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.
Game Overview
The Dodgers’ victory places them in a commanding 2-0 lead in the NLCS as the series shifts to Dodger Stadium. Despite their previous playoff victories being closely contested, this game demonstrated a notable shift in control.
Looking Ahead
The Brewers will need to regroup quickly to compete against the defending World Series champions. For the Dodgers, the momentum gained from this match could prove vital as they aim to capitalize on their current lead in the series.