The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their lead in the World Series to 2-0 with a hard-fought 4-2 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday night, showcasing dominant pitching from Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto and three thrilling home runs that ignited the Dodger Stadium crowd. This victory places the Dodgers in a strong position as the series heads to New York for Games 3, 4, and 5, with the Dodgers eyeing their first championship since 2020.

In his much-anticipated World Series debut, Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers on a record-breaking $325 million contract last December, put on a commanding display, allowing only one hit—a solo homer by Yankees star Juan Soto—in his seven innings on the mound. It was a performance that left Yankees hitters frustrated, including slugger Aaron Judge, who went hitless with three strikeouts. The Dodgers’ bullpen then held off a desperate Yankees rally in the ninth inning to seal the victory.

Early Action Sets Tone for Electric Game

In contrast to the defensive standoff that characterized Game 1, Game 2 saw both teams get on the board early. The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman and Yankees’ Juan Soto each homered in the first inning, thrilling fans on both sides and suggesting that offense, not defense, would define the night.

The Dodgers’ offense soon took control, however, launching back-to-back homers in the third inning. Teoscar Hernandez opened the inning with a solo shot to left, followed by Freddie Freeman, who added to his Game 1 heroics by launching a powerful two-run homer to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead.

“We came out with the intensity needed to take control early,” Freeman said postgame. “The energy here at Dodger Stadium is something else. You can feel the electricity in the air, and it fuels you to deliver.”

Freeman’s leadership and Hernandez’s spark ignited the Dodgers, giving them a lead they would hold despite the Yankees’ best efforts to close the gap.

Yamamoto’s Record-Breaking Performance

The night belonged to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose World Series debut for the Dodgers was met with enormous anticipation. Coming into the season with high expectations following his historic contract, the 25-year-old right-hander from Japan delivered under the spotlight, striking out eight Yankees and keeping their hitters in check.

“Yamamoto was phenomenal,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked. “He had complete command of the game and the atmosphere. He’s worked hard for this moment, and tonight he showed everyone why he’s one of the best in the world.”

Yamamoto’s poise and precision were on full display as he mixed his fastball with devastating breaking pitches, leaving Yankees batters swinging at air. His only blemish came in the form of Soto’s first-inning homer, a mistake he quickly corrected by retiring 14 of the next 15 batters he faced.

The performance solidified Yamamoto’s reputation as one of the top pitchers in baseball and a crucial asset to the Dodgers as they pursue another championship.

Dodgers Bullpen Staves Off Ninth-Inning Yankees Rally

Despite Yamamoto’s brilliance, the Yankees rallied in the ninth inning, injecting late drama into an already intense game. Soto led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, and was driven in by Giancarlo Stanton to bring the Yankees within two runs at 4-2. After Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled and Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch, the bases were loaded with only one out.

Dodgers fans held their breath as Yankees rookie Anthony Volpe stepped up to the plate, but he struck out on a high fastball. With the Dodgers just one out away from victory, the Yankees sent pinch-hitter Jose Trevino to the plate. Trevino swung hard, sending a fly ball to deep center field that had fans momentarily anxious before settling safely into Hernandez’s glove to end the game.

“I had faith in our bullpen,” Roberts said. “They’ve been steady all season, and I knew they’d step up to the challenge.”

The close call underscored the resilience of the Dodgers bullpen, which has consistently stepped up during crucial moments this season, even with key players like Max Muncy and Mookie Betts sidelined with injuries.

Ohtani Injury Adds Drama to Dodgers Win

In addition to their triumph, the Dodgers faced a moment of concern when superstar designated hitter Shohei Ohtani exited the game in the seventh inning after injuring his left shoulder during a failed steal attempt. Ohtani was attempting to steal second base when he was tagged out, falling awkwardly and clutching his shoulder as he lay on the field in visible discomfort.

The stadium fell silent as Dodgers athletic trainers rushed to Ohtani’s side, eventually assisting him off the field. While manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism, Ohtani’s status for the rest of the series remains uncertain.

“He’s a huge part of our lineup,” Roberts said. “I’m hopeful he’ll be good to go, but we’re going to make sure he’s fully healthy. Shohei’s been through this season without any injuries, so seeing him in pain is hard.”

Preliminary reports indicated that Ohtani’s injury was a minor shoulder subluxation, or partial dislocation. The Dodgers planned to conduct an MRI on Sunday to assess the severity. Ohtani, who has been a powerful presence for the Dodgers, will join his team in New York after his evaluation in Los Angeles.

Dodgers Take Commanding 2-0 Lead

With two victories at home, the Dodgers hold a significant advantage as they head to New York. They’ve managed to capture the energy and momentum of their home field, leveraging strong pitching, clutch hitting, and a formidable defense. Still, they know that the Yankees, whose storied franchise is no stranger to postseason comebacks, will not go down easily.

The Yankees, meanwhile, are left to regroup and refocus as they return to Yankee Stadium, where they hope to use home-field advantage to mount a comeback.

“We’re not out of this,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone assured reporters after Game 2. “Our guys know what’s at stake, and we’ll be ready to fight in front of our fans.”

Aaron Judge, who struggled through both games in Los Angeles, remains a critical factor for the Yankees’ offensive success. Judge acknowledged his poor performance but vowed to find his rhythm in New York. “This series is far from over. I know I can contribute more, and I’ll be ready,” he said.

Upcoming Schedule and Game Times

With the series shifting to New York, the Yankees will look to harness the energy of their home crowd to try and swing the momentum back in their favor. Games 3, 4, and, if necessary, Game 5, will be held at Yankee Stadium.

The upcoming schedule for the World Series is as follows:

• Game 3: Monday, October 28, at Yankee Stadium
• Game 4: Tuesday, October 29, at Yankee Stadium
• Game 5: Wednesday, October 30, at Yankee Stadium (if needed)
• Game 6: Friday, November 1, at Dodger Stadium (if needed)
• Game 7: Saturday, November 2, at Dodger Stadium (if needed)

All games are scheduled to begin at 20:08 Eastern Time.

As the Dodgers inch closer to a championship, Yamamoto’s season-long journey is already being celebrated as one of the most remarkable stories in recent MLB history. Coming from the Japanese league with high expectations, the 25-year-old has delivered on every level. His $325 million contract, a record for a pitcher, now appears well worth the investment as he solidifies himself as a postseason ace for Los Angeles.

“Playing in the World Series has always been my dream,” Yamamoto said through a translator. “I am honored to be here and give my best for my teammates and our fans. Winning a championship is our only goal.”