Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a historic complete-game performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. The win gives the Dodgers a commanding 2-0 series advantage as the contest shifts to Los Angeles for the next games.
Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ ace, dominated from the start, allowing just three hits and one run over nine innings while striking out seven batters. His effort marked the first complete game in the postseason since Justin Verlander’s in 2017, showcasing remarkable control and efficiency. Despite a leadoff home run by the Brewers’ Jackson Chourio, Yamamoto quickly recalibrated, retiring batters with a mix of fastballs and breaking pitches. The Dodgers’ defense backed him solidly, turning key plays to stifle any Brewers’ rallies.
Offensively, the Dodgers provided timely support with home runs from Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernandez. Muncy’s blast set a new franchise record for career postseason homers, while Hernandez’s shot extended the lead early in the game. The team capitalized on scoring opportunities, building a comfortable margin that allowed Yamamoto to pitch with confidence. Overall, the Dodgers’ lineup demonstrated patience and power, contrasting with the Brewers’ struggles at the plate.
This performance followed Blake Snell’s eight-inning gem in Game 1, making the Dodgers the first team since 1983 to have starters pitch eight or more innings while allowing one or fewer runs in the first two games of a playoff series. The rotation’s dominance has been a cornerstone of their postseason run, with a combined 1.54 ERA, the lowest since the 2012 Tigers. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the pitchers’ focus and execution as key to the team’s success.
For the Brewers, the loss places them in a precarious position, as historical data shows that only three of 28 teams have overcome a 2-0 deficit at home in a best-of-seven series. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the challenge, noting that his team chased more pitches than usual against the Dodgers’ elite arms. The Brewers’ youthful lineup, which excelled during the regular season, has found it difficult to generate consistent offense in the face of such pitching.
The series now moves to Dodger Stadium for Games 3, 4, and 5 if necessary, with Tyler Glasnow scheduled to start Game 3 and Shohei Ohtani in Game 4 for the Dodgers. Both pitchers have been impressive in the playoffs, adding to the Brewers’ uphill battle. Milwaukee must win at least two games in Los Angeles to force the series back to Milwaukee and keep their championship hopes alive.
Yamamoto’s complete game not only secured the victory but also conserved the bullpen, which has logged minimal innings in the series. This strategic advantage could prove crucial in later games, especially if the series extends. The Dodgers’ confidence is soaring, with players and coaches expressing belief in their ability to close out the series and advance to the World Series.
In a broader context, the Dodgers are peaking at an ideal time, with contributions across the roster fueling their push for a repeat championship. The Brewers, despite their regular-season achievements, now face the daunting task of rallying against a seasoned and motivated opponent. The outcome of this NLCS will significantly impact the legacies of both teams in the 2025 MLB season.