When Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 26‑year‑old Japanese starting pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers, launched the night’s first pitch at American Family Field on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, he delivered a complete game that stunned the Milwaukee Brewers and swung the National League Championship Series (NLCS) to a 2‑0 advantage. The outing – a 5‑1 victory in Game 2 of the 2025 NLCSMilwaukee, Wisconsin – marked the first postseason complete game by a Dodger since José Lima’s shutout in 2004, and only the second complete game in MLB playoffs since Justin Verlander’s 2017 ALCS gem.
What made Yamamoto’s outing historic
Yamamoto tossed 111 pitches, struck out seven, and surrendered just three hits and one earned run. After an early solo homer by 21‑year‑old Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio – his first pitch off Yamamoto’s hand left the left‑field wall – the Japanese ace settled in, firing 34 splitters (the most of any pitch that night) and mixing in razor‑sharp curveballs to stay ahead in the count. He retired the final 14 batters in a row, a stretch that included a called third‑strike look on Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn to seal the win at 10:47 PM CDT.
- Complete game: 9 innings, 111 pitches
- Line: 5 hits, 1 run (earned), 7 K
- Pitch mix: 34 splitters, 22 curveballs, 18 fastballs
- Attendance: 43,126 fans
- Result: Dodgers lead NLCS 2‑0
He replied to Chourio’s early blast with a quiet confidence, telling his interpreter, “Regrettable that home run, but I reset my mind and focused on my pitches.” The statements felt like a mantra as he methodically worked through Milwaukee’s lineup, which had been murdered by the Dodgers’ staff all spring.
How the Dodgers’ rotation has dominated the postseason
Yamamoto’s performance isn’t an isolated flash‑in‑the‑pan. Since the 2025 playoffs began, the Dodgers’ five‑man rotation has logged a collective 1.54 ERA over eight games, posting six wins in seven victories overall. Their starters have allowed a paltry 0.53 ERA specifically against the Brewers, whose 102‑60 regular‑season record topped the National League. In fact, the Dodgers are the first club since the 2013 Detroit Tigers to throw seven starts of at least six innings in the first eight postseason games.
Blake Snell, the 32‑year‑old left‑hander who went eight innings of “minimum‑batter‑faced” work in Game 1, set the tone for a rotation that scarcely needs its bullpen. Through two NLCS games, the Dodgers’ relievers have logged just one inning, while the Brewers’ fire‑hose of arms has covered 11⅓ innings, underscoring the stark contrast in durability.
Reactions from managers and players
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts was quick to credit the depth of his staff: “If you look at the construction of our roster, the strength is starting pitching. When you can have your most talented pitchers get the most outs, then you’re in a good spot.” He added that the whole club was “peaking at the right time,” a claim backed by the team’s flawless defensive execution in Milwaukee.
Across the diamond, Brewers manager Craig Counsell admitted frustration: “We gave them one run, but they owned the innings. It’s hard to fight a staff that can go nine innings and still look fresh.” Chourio, still fresh from his early homer, shrugged, “I’ll try to do better next game. We just need to give our pitchers a chance.”
What this means for the rest of the NLCS
With a 2‑0 lead, the Dodgers head to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Thursday, October 17. If they can repeat Yamamoto’s durability, the Brewers will be forced into a bullpen marathon they’re ill‑prepared for. The statistical odds favor Los Angeles: historically, teams that win the first two games of a best‑of‑seven NLCS win the series about 79 % of the time.
Conversely, the Brewers still possess the league’s most potent offense, and a single explosive inning could swing momentum. Their young core—Vaughn, Chourio, and shortstop Willy Adames—has proven capable of turning games around in a heartbeat, as they did during the regular season.
Historical context of postseason complete games
Yamamoto’s feat joins a short list of modern postseason complete games. José Lima’s 2004 NLDS shutout was the last for a Dodger; Justin Verlander’s 2017 ALCS victory for the Houston Astros was the most recent across MLB. Before Verlander, the last complete game in a playoff series was Cliff Lee’s 2009 ALCS effort for the Philadelphia Phillies. The rarity underscores how valuable a nine‑inning strikeout master can be in an era dominated by high‑velocity relievers.
The Dodgers themselves haven’t seen a complete game since Gavin Stone’s June 26, 2024 effort against the San Diego Padres. That drought, combined with the league‑wide shift to “opener” tactics, makes Yamamoto’s stamina all the more remarkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Yamamoto’s complete game affect the Dodgers’ chances in the NLCS?
By giving Los Angeles a 2‑0 lead and showing the rotation can go the distance, the Dodgers force the Brewers into a bullpen‑heavy Game 3. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a best‑of‑seven series win about 79 % of the time, so Yamamoto’s effort dramatically improves the Dodgers’ odds.
What made this the first postseason complete game since 2017?
The last one was Justin Verlander’s complete‑game win for the Houston Astros in the 2017 ALCS. Since then, teams have increasingly relied on specialized relievers, making full‑game outings rare. Yamamoto broke that trend, becoming the first pitcher to finish a playoff game from the mound in eight years.
Who were the key contributors for the Dodgers besides Yamamoto?
Blake Snell’s eight‑inning gem in Game 1 set the tone, while the defense—particularly shortstop Mookie Betts—made several heads‑up plays. Manager Dave Roberts also kept the bullpen fresh by limiting its usage, preserving relievers for later games.
What does this mean for the Brewers moving forward?
The Brewers must find a way to generate runs quickly and trust their bullpen, which has already logged over 11 innings. Their offense, which posted a league‑best 102‑60 record, will need to capitalize on any scoring chances and keep the games close.
How does this game compare to Yamamoto’s July start against Milwaukee?
In July, Yamamoto lasted only two‑thirds of an inning, surrendering five runs. The October turnaround shows a dramatic adjustment in his approach, mental reset, and refined pitch selection, highlighting the evolution of a young ace in a short span.