In Game 2 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2, taking a 2-0 series lead. Carlos Rodón, the Yankees’ starter, struggled, giving up four runs in just over three innings, but the Dodgers controlled the game early on, hitting three home runs off him.
Los Angeles’ outstanding Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave up just one hit in 6 1/3 innings pitched. After allowing one run with a home drive hit by Juan Soto in the third inning, he retired his final 11 batters. Yamamoto had his best start since he returned from a nearly three-month-long absence due to a rotator cuff problem.
After hitting a game-winning grand slam in Game 1, Freddie Freeman smashed another home run for the second straight night. He is currently one game short of the record held by the Astros’ George Springer, who hit home runs in four straight World Series games, dating back to the 2021 Series with Atlanta.
To give Los Angeles an early lead, Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman each blasted single home runs, adding to the Dodgers’ total. After going just 3-for-27 prior to this game, Hernández had been in a slump before hitting his home run. The Dodgers’ strength surpassed the Yankees’ pitch.
After trying a feet-first slide while getting thrown out at second base in the seventh inning, Shohei Ohtani was forced to leave the game due to what seemed to be an arm injury. As Game 3 approaches, his condition is still undisclosed.
Giancarlo Stanton singled in the ninth inning to score Soto, bringing the Yankees within four runs of the Dodgers’ advantage. Alex Vesia came in to secure the victory by getting pinch-hitter Jose Trevino to fly out on the first pitch with the bases loaded, but this allowed New York a chance to win.
Following his record 12-year, $325 million contract signing in December, which sparked a lot of interest from Japanese fans, Yamamoto has been a standout addition to the Dodgers. He had a season filled with injuries, but in this crucial game, he gave one of his best efforts, delivering a variety of pitches that made the Yankees’ hitters struggle.
Aaron Judge continued to struggle postseason, going hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts during the game. He is currently batting just .150. Nonetheless, Soto displayed some tenacity with his single and a home run, offering one of the offense’s few bright spots.
With 13 1/3 innings worked in two starts against the Yankees this season and only one run allowed in each game, Yamamoto has routinely shut them down. Following his outstanding performance, he was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he left the field.
The manager of the Dodgers commended his team’s offense and pitching, pointing out that they played with energy and performed well on both sides of the ball. Rodón’s fastballs gave the Dodgers early home runs, which gave them momentum they never let go of.
It is the first time since 2001 that the Yankees have lost the first two games of the World Series. They dropped Games 6 and 7 to Arizona that year, despite rallying to win three games at home.
Rodón is currently leading the league in home runs allowed throughout the regular season after continuing his struggles by giving up three Dodger home runs. The Yankees’ bullpen, which was under pressure after his early departure in Game 2, was able to stop additional scoring but was unable to close the gap.
Given that 45 out of 56 teams that have taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series have gone on to win the championship, the Dodgers are in a good position after their victory in Game 2. For the first time since Kirk Gibson’s famous walk-off homer in 1988, Los Angeles had a significant lead in the World Series.
The series will now transfer to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Monday. Los Angeles seeks to extend their lead, while New York hopes to launch a comeback and reclaim the championship contention.
