Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave the Dodgers exactly the kind of start a contender wants in September: calm, efficient and almost impossible to square up.
The right-hander allowed one hit across seven scoreless innings in Los Angeles’ 4-0 win over Cincinnati, striking out seven and walking two. Teoscar Hernández and Alex Freeland supplied the power with home runs, while Freddie Freeman collected three hits as the Dodgers tightened their grip on the National League West race.
For Yamamoto, the outing was another reminder of how valuable he can be in a short postseason series. He worked ahead, limited traffic and never let the Reds build a serious inning. Cincinnati managed only two hits all night and was shut out for the 17th time this season.
The win moved Los Angeles another step closer to a division title after the club had already clinched a 14th consecutive playoff berth. The Dodgers are also still competing for the best record in the National League, which could matter throughout October.
Reporting based on MLB and Reuters/Field Level Media coverage. Featured image: Josh Hemsley via Unsplash.
