Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shuts Down Brewers, Dodgers Lead NLCS 2-0

The Los Angeles Dodgers have grabbed control of the 2025 NLCS. They’re riding dominant starting pitching to a 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed a complete-game masterpiece. He allowed just one run—a leadoff homer—then methodically shut Milwaukee down.

Blake Snell’s near-flawless performance in Game 1 set the tone. The Dodgers’ rotation has looked nearly unhittable, leaving the Brewers searching for answers as the series heads to Los Angeles.

Yamamoto’s Historic Postseason Performance

Yoshinobu Yamamoto wasted no time grabbing the spotlight in Game 2. After giving up a leadoff home run to Jackson Chourio, the 26-year-old right-hander settled in with surgical precision.

Over the next nine innings, Yamamoto retired 27 of the final 29 batters he faced. He racked up seven strikeouts and allowed just three hits in total.

This wasn’t just dominance—it was history. His outing marked the Dodgers’ first postseason complete game since 2004.

With his effortless mechanics and pinpoint command, Brewers hitters looked overmatched from the second inning onward. You could almost sense their frustration growing pitch by pitch.

The Key to Yamamoto’s Success

What made Yamamoto so tough to hit? He changed speeds and commanded the strike zone, mixing his pitches with confidence.

He kept Milwaukee off balance all night, inducing weak contact and retiring the last 14 batters in order. That kind of closing stretch is rare, especially in the postseason.

A Rotation Built for October Dominance

The Dodgers have built their playoff success around deep, talented pitching. The first two games of the NLCS have reinforced that blueprint.

Between Snell’s eight-inning gem in Game 1 and Yamamoto’s complete game in Game 2, Los Angeles starters have combined for:

• 17 innings pitched
• Only one run allowed
• Just four hits surrendered
• One walk issued
• 16 total strikeouts

Manager Dave Roberts credited the rotation’s surge to improved health and rhythm. With Snell, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers have a rotation that can overpower any lineup.

Freeman’s Praise and Kershaw’s Perspective

Veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman said this level of excellence has been building for a couple of months. He called the rotation’s recent form the key to the team’s playoff push.

“When your starters pitch like this, it changes everything,” Freeman explained. It’s hard to argue with that.

Clayton Kershaw—no stranger to postseason pressure—also weighed in. The three-time Cy Young Award winner praised Snell and Yamamoto’s command and pitch variety.

He noted their ability to locate and mix speeds makes them “nearly unhittable.” Coming from Kershaw, that means something.

Brewers Searching for Offensive Answers

From Milwaukee’s side, frustration is mounting. Manager Pat Murphy admitted his hitters chased pitches more than usual, a sign of how well Dodgers pitchers disrupted their timing.

The Brewers have scored just two runs over the first two games, both on solo home runs. That’s not going to cut it at this stage.

A Critical Turning Point for Milwaukee

With the series moving to Los Angeles, the Brewers are dangerously close to elimination. Down 2-0 in a best-of-seven, they’ve got to find ways to generate offense or their postseason run ends here.

They need better pitch recognition, more patience, and execution in key moments. So far, those elements haven’t shown up in this matchup.

Looking Ahead to Game 3

The Dodgers seem full of confidence right now. Their rotation feels dialed in, honestly.

Glasnow and Ohtani will probably start the next two games. That gives Los Angeles a real shot at wrapping up the series fast.

If Dodgers starters keep working efficiently and limit baserunners, the Brewers are in trouble. Milwaukee faces a tough climb here.

For the Brewers, the path is clear but pretty daunting—they need to disrupt the Dodgers’ rhythm on the mound. They also have to take advantage of every scoring chance.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB playoffs 2025: Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers another gem, shuts down Brewers for 9 innings as Dodgers go up 2-0 in NLCS