The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champions, are on the brink of a Fall Classic return, relying on a traditional pitching strategy. Their strong starting rotation has been key, allowing them to overlook their inconsistent bullpen performance. In a dominant display, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a three-hitter, securing the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory over the struggling Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.
Max Muncy, who set a Dodgers record with his 14th career postseason home run, emphasized the team’s emphasis on starting pitching as the driving force behind their success this postseason. This marks a significant shift from their previous postseason approach, with a remarkable seven quality starts in eight playoff games and an impressive 1.54 ERA from their starters.
Despite bullpen struggles and Shohei Ohtani’s recent batting performance, the Dodgers are on a winning streak, having won nine of their last 11 regular-season games and maintaining a 7-1 record in the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s peak performance and focus at this crucial stage.
Teoscar Hernandez’s homer helped secure the Dodgers’ 2-0 series lead as they head back to Los Angeles for Game 3. Yamamoto’s outstanding complete game marked a historic milestone, being the first Dodgers pitcher to achieve this since 2020. The team’s strong road performance reflects a promising path to the World Series, with historical statistics favoring teams that secure a 2-0 lead on the road in a best-of-seven series.
Despite the Brewers’ efforts to rally, the Dodgers capitalized on their momentum, with key contributions from players like Andy Pages and Tommy Edman. The team’s collective effort and stellar pitching have positioned them as frontrunners in the series, with the Brewers facing an uphill battle to turn the tide.
The stage is set for an intense Game 3 in Los Angeles, with the Dodgers poised to continue their winning streak and secure a spot in the World Series.