The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennial contenders and 2020 champions, have seized a commanding 2-0 World Series lead over the storied New York Yankees behind a sensational Game 2 performance from rookie phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 24-year-old right-hander, signed to a record contract out of Japan last winter, struck out 11 Yankees over 6 1/3 brilliant innings Saturday night at Chavez Ravine, allowing just one run on a Juan Soto homer.
Yamamoto outdueled Yankees lefty ace Carlos Rodon, who surrendered four runs in 3 1/3 innings, including back-to-back homers to Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez in the second inning and a mammoth shot by red-hot slugger Freddie Freeman in the fourth. Freeman has now homered in four straight World Series games dating back to his Braves days in 2021.
Ohtani Exits Early With Injury
The Dodgers’ dominant victory was marred by an injury to two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who exited in the 7th inning after hurting his left arm on an awkward slide while attempting to steal second base. The severity of Ohtani’s injury is not yet known, but any missed time for the perennial MVP candidate could spell trouble for an already shorthanded LA roster missing star closer Walker Buehler.
Yankees Squander Early Opportunities
For the Yankees, who are still seeking their first championship since 2009, the loss squandered a golden opportunity against a vulnerable Dodgers pitching staff. New York threatened in the first inning, putting runners on first and second with no outs, but reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge and slugger Giancarlo Stanton struck out before Anthony Rizzo flied out to end the threat. Judge finished 0-for-4 with three punchouts and is now hitting just .150 this postseason.
“Obviously that first inning was huge,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Against a pitcher like Yamamoto, you have to take advantage when you get chances. We just couldn’t cash in and he really settled in after that.”
Aaron Boone, New York Yankees Manager
Pressure Mounts as Series Shifts to Bronx
The series now shifts to Yankee Stadium for Games 3 through 5, but history is not on New York’s side. Forty-five of the 56 teams to take a 2-0 World Series lead have gone on to win the title, including 15 sweeps.
- Teams leading 2-0: 45-11 winning World Series all-time
- Teams leading 2-0 at home: 24-3 winning World Series all-time
- Teams winning Games 1 and 2 on road: 21-8 winning World Series all-time
The Yankees will turn to ace Gerrit Cole in Game 3 to try and get back in the series, while the Dodgers counter with All-Star right-hander Blake Snell. First pitch Monday night is set for 8:07 p.m. EDT.
Dodgers Dynasty on the Horizon?
For the star-studded Dodgers, a 2-0 lead has them on the brink of what would be their second title in three years and their fourth pennant since 2017. With a deep roster anchored by perennial MVP candidates Ohtani and Mookie Betts, a lockdown pitching staff featuring Yamamoto and Julio Urias, and the free-agent coup of Freeman, LA looks poised to be a force for years to come.
“This team is hungry and we have our eyes set on becoming a dynasty,” Freeman said. “Taking care of business these first two games at home was huge. We know it won’t be easy in New York, but we’re ready for the challenge. This group has one goal, and that’s winning it all.”
Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers First Baseman
The Dodgers will look to move one step closer to that goal and push the Yankees to the brink of elimination come Monday night in the Bronx. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about October baseball, it’s to expect the unexpected. Can the Bombers find a way to defuse LA’s explosive bats and rally at home? Or will the Dodgers’ unmatched talent and depth simply prove too much? Answers await under the bright lights at Yankee Stadium.
