Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a complete game, leading the Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Brewers. This marks the first postseason complete game since 2017, showcasing his skill and efficiency on the mound.
Yamamoto pitched a complete game
Dodgers won 5-1 against Brewers
First postseason complete game since 2017
Yamamoto struck out seven batters
Dodgers lead series 2-0
Strong hitting supported Yamamoto
Yamamoto's performance was historically efficient
Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a nine-inning, three-hit, complete game, MLB’s first postseason complete game since Justin Verlander in 2017 and the Dodgers’ first since José Lima in 2004, to power Los Angeles past the Milwaukee Brewers 5–1 in Game 2 of the NLCS. The effort gave the defending champions a 2–0 series lead.[1][2][3]
Yamamoto’s Dominant Complete-Game Performance on the Mound
Historic Achievement in Dodgers and MLB Postseason History
First postseason complete game since Verlander, 2017.[1][2]
First Dodgers postseason complete game since Lima, 2004.[3]
Among Dodgers’ 23 postseason complete games, Yamamoto’s three hits tied for fewest; four baserunners allowed fewer than Koufax, Hershiser or Valenzuela.[10][3]
Teams leading 2–0 in best-of-seven series win the series 83.9% of the time.[1]
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FAQ
Who mentored Yoshinobu Yamamoto on his path to this historic postseason complete game?
Yamamoto developed as one of Japan's dominant pitchers in NPB before signing a $325 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. He arrived in Los Angeles as a proven ace, not a prospect requiring extensive mentorship. Under the Dodgers' coaching infrastructure, he continued refining his signature arsenal—splitter, high-velocity fastball, cutters, curveballs, and sinkers.
How rare is a postseason complete game in modern baseball, and what changed in the sport to make them so uncommon?
Yamamoto's performance ends an eight-year drought since Justin Verlander's 2017 ALCS Game 2. Bullpen specialization, advanced analytics emphasizing pitch limits, and injury prevention protocols have fundamentally changed pitcher deployment. Managers now target four to six innings for starters in October, with specialized relievers viewed as preferable to fatigued arms in high-leverage moments.
What unique advantage does the Dodgers' rotation provide beyond individual pitching performances?
The elite four-man rotation (Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, Ohtani) delivered a 1.54 ERA over eight postseason games through the NLCS with 63 strikeouts and 13 walks in 52⅔ innings. This collective dominance minimized bullpen exposure—the Dodgers' bullpen carried a 6.16 ERA entering the World Series. Andrew Friedman's strategy prioritized elite starting arms to control October outcomes.
Where do complete games rank historically among Dodgers pitching achievements, and are there patterns in their timing?
Yamamoto's complete game is the 24th in Dodgers franchise postseason history and the first since José Lima's 2004 NLDS. The two-decade gap reflects baseball-wide industry evolution away from complete games. Legendary Dodgers aces (Koufax, Hershiser, Valenzuela) routinely pitched complete games in earlier eras—now an anomaly.
Why did Max Muncy's solo home run in Game 2 carry such historical weight beyond the NLCS?
Muncy's sixth-inning homer marked his 14th postseason home run, breaking the Dodgers' franchise record. Remarkably, he maintains a .217 career postseason average across 73 games—yet his October power production defines his legacy. This paradox illustrates how playoff success rewards clutch moments over conventional statistics.
How did Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages' early contributions set the tone for the Dodgers' offensive rhythm in Game 2?
Hernández's second-inning solo home run and Pages' RBI double established a 2-1 early lead against Milwaukee. Both players represented depth signings, yet both capitalized on opportunities. Pages remained in the lineup despite limited postseason production due to center field roster constraints. Their early execution set an aggressive tone before Yamamoto took over.
