UPDATE: The LA Dodgers have taken a commanding lead in the National League Championship Series, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 in a decisive Game 2. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a stunning performance, throwing a three-hitter and marking the first postseason complete game in eight years.
Yamamoto’s remarkable outing came on October 17, 2023, as the Dodgers left Milwaukee with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is set to take place in Los Angeles on Thursday.
In a game that showcased both skill and determination, Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernandez each hit solo home runs, contributing to the Dodgers’ offensive momentum. Muncy’s 412-foot blast was particularly significant, marking his 14th postseason homer and breaking a franchise record he previously shared with Corey Seager and Justin Turner.
“This year he’s taken it to a whole other level,” Muncy stated, praising Yamamoto’s performance.
Yamamoto, who is signed for a staggering $325 million, faced an early challenge when Jackson Chourio hit a home run on his first pitch. However, the right-hander recovered brilliantly, allowing no further runs while striking out seven and walking just one batter over 111 pitches.
Despite a shaky start, Yamamoto’s complete game was the first in the postseason since Justin Verlander achieved it for the Houston Astros in 2017. This victory marks the first time since 1970 that both road teams in the League Championship Series have started 2-0.
The Dodgers wasted no time retaliating against Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. After Chourio’s homer, Hernandez quickly responded with a 3-2 curve that sailed over the left-field wall for his fourth postseason homer. The Dodgers extended their lead with a double from Andy Pages, followed by Muncy’s homer in the sixth inning, which came on Peralta’s final pitch of the night.
Los Angeles capped off their scoring with RBI singles from Shohei Ohtani in the seventh and Tommy Edman in the eighth, solidifying their dominance in this crucial game.
As the Dodgers prepare for Game 3, they hold an advantageous position, with history on their side; 24 of the previous 27 teams to win the first two games on the road in a best-of-seven series have gone on to win the championship.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the upcoming game in Los Angeles, as the Brewers will aim to bounce back and regain momentum in this high-stakes series.
