Yamamoto struck out nine batters across 6 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs and four hits on a career-high 113 pitches. After giving up a two-run single to Sal Stewart in the first, Yamamoto settled in, retiring 13 straight Reds. In the sixth, he worked out of a bases-loaded jam with no outs, recording two critical strikeouts to end the threat, earning a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd of 50,465.
The Dodgers’ offense was relentless, collecting 13 hits. Mookie Betts led the way, going 4-for-5 with three doubles, matching a franchise postseason record. Shohei Ohtani snapped an 0-for-9 postseason skid with a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth, followed by Betts’ RBI double and a two-run double by Teoscar Hernández that pushed the lead to 7-2.
The Reds briefly led 2-0 in the first inning, marking their first postseason lead since 2012, but couldn’t hold off the Dodgers. Cincinnati loaded the bases in the sixth, but Yamamoto and the Dodgers’ defense shut the door. Los Angeles relievers Emmet Sheehan and Alex Vesia allowed two runs in the eighth before closing it out, and rookie Roki Sasaki finished the ninth with two strikeouts, touching 101 mph.
After blasting five home runs in the series opener, the Dodgers used timely hitting and aggressive baserunning in Game 2. Manager Dave Roberts credited the team’s approach: “We’re seeing winning pitches, using the whole field, fighting and not trying to just slug. We’re taking team at-bats.”
With this win, the Dodgers reach their 20th NLDS appearance in franchise history. The Cincinnati Reds remain without a postseason series victory since 1995, the longest drought in MLB.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers’ rotation lines up with Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani set to start the first two games against the Phillies. Yamamoto and Blake Snell are probable for Games 3 and 4 if necessary. The Phillies won the season series 4-2.
For more details and game stats, see the Game Summary on ESPN and full analysis at The Athletic.