Dodgers Clinch Game 2, On Brink of Second Straight World Series Berth
MILWAUKEE — The Los Angeles Dodgers are two wins away from becoming the first team since the 2008-09 Phillies to reach the World Series in consecutive years, following a 5-1 victory over the Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on Tuesday. The reigning champions have done so by leaning on the reliability of their starting pitchers, harking back to the “old school” baseball of decades past.
Yamamoto’s Jedi Master Performance
Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto spun an gemsome eight innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven. His complete game was the first by a Dodgers starter in the postseason since José Lima in 2004 and the first by any pitcher in MLB since Justin Verlander in 2017. Yamamoto faced just one batter over the minimum, unraveling only after Venezuelan rookie Jackson Chourio led off the game with a towering home run.
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“I wish I had more words, but they’ve [Dodgers’ pitchers] done a great job. We’ve accomplished what we’ve accomplished in the postseason thanks to our starters.”
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Dodgers Pitching: Their ingredient for success
In an era where limiting workloads and avoiding pitcher fatigue is paramount, the Dodgers’ rotation is defying modern norms. They’ve become the first team since 2013 to have seven starts of six or more innings in the first eight postseason games, and the first to complete at least eight innings in consecutive starts since 2016.
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- Through eight playoff games, Dodgers starters have posted a 1.78 ERA, with seven quality starts and 47.2 innings of work.
- Only five teams in postseason history have had better starting pitching effectiveness over the first eight games.
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Offense Steps Up
While the Dodgers’ pitching has stolen the spotlight, the offense has contributed when needed. Theo Hernández tied the game with a home run in the second inning, while Andy Pagés‘ RBI double gave Los Angeles the lead in the fifth. They’ll look to build on that production as they return to Los Angeles with a 2-0 series lead.
In series history, teams leading 2-0 have advanced to the World Series 78 out of 93 times (84.9%).
Did You Know?
This is the first time since Orel Hershiser and Tim Belcher in the 1988 NLCS that two Dodgers starters have made starts of at least eight innings each, en route to their World Series title.
Pro Tip: How the Dodgers’ success can translate to your fantasy baseball league
Did you know that investing in reliable starters is key to fantasy baseball success, just like it is for the Dodgers? Consider those underappreciated veterans who can rack up innings and quality starts when setting your roster for next season.
FAQs
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- Q: Who are the next scheduled starters for the Dodgers?
- Julio Urías (Game 3) and Tony Gonsolin (Game 4) are slated to start at home in Dodger Stadium.
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This is a developing story. Stay tuned to 247sports.news for more updates and analysis.