The defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are on the brink of returning to the Fall Classic by relying on a traditional pitching strategy. Their star-studded rotation has been delivering solid performances, allowing them to overlook the inconsistencies in their bullpen.
In a remarkable display, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a three-hitter, marking the first complete game in the postseason in eight years, as the Dodgers triumphed over the struggling Brewers 5-1 in Milwaukee. This victory in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series followed a stellar performance by Blake Snell the night before.
Max Muncy, who set a Dodgers record with his 14th career postseason home run, emphasized the team’s emphasis on starting pitching as the key to their success this postseason. Unlike last year, where their starters struggled to go deep into games, the Dodgers have seen a significant improvement this year with seven quality starts in eight playoff games and a remarkable 1.54 postseason ERA.
Despite bullpen challenges and Shohei Ohtani’s recent batting struggles, the Dodgers are on a winning streak, having won seven out of eight postseason games after finishing the regular season strong with nine wins in their last 11 games.
Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s focus and performance, noting that they are playing their best baseball at the right time. The Dodgers now hold a 2-0 series lead against the Brewers and will head to Los Angeles for Game 3 with confidence.
Yamamoto’s outstanding complete game was a standout moment, with the right-hander showcasing his pitching prowess by striking out seven batters and allowing just one walk. His performance marked a significant milestone for the Dodgers, with the last postseason complete game recorded by the team dating back to 2020.
This postseason has seen both LCS road teams start with a 2-0 advantage, a rarity that hasn’t occurred since 1970. While history favors teams with such leads, Brewers manager Pat Murphy remains optimistic about his team’s chances to bounce back despite the challenging situation they are currently facing.
The Dodgers’ strong offensive showing, highlighted by key home runs from Teoscar Hernandez and Muncy, propelled them to victory in Game 2. The team’s consistent performance and resilience have put them in a favorable position to secure another World Series berth as they continue their quest for a championship title.
