Dodgers pitching abuses and Kiké remains unstoppable
Another gem, now from Yamamoto with a complete game, and great hitting from Kiké Hernández, give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Brewers in the NLCS
MILWAUKEE — The openers of Los Angeles Dodgers they traveled to Milwaukee for abuse of the hitters of the Milwaukee Brewersat least in the first two games of the National League Championship Series.
Yes, after Blake Snell gave an eight-inning, one-hit ball in the inaugural game, the next day his colleague Yoshinobu Yamamoto arrived to complete a three-hit game and leave his Dodgers halfway to the World Series.
Los Angeles defeated the Brewers 5-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series for a ticket to the World Baseball Classic, where they plan to become the first team to repeat since the 2000 New York Yankees.
“That is the only goal and that is what interests us all in this clubhouse,” said Dodgers player Kike Hernández. “What our two starters have done here is incredible. That gives us all confidence and is what has brought us here.
“We hitters just have to give them some back-up runs and they take care of the rest.”
Yamamoto was penalized for a home run on his first pitch of the night. Jackson Chourio thus drove in the Brewers’ only run on Tuesday.
“That was the first batter. And I regret that home run,” Yamamoto said.
After the home run, the Japanese ace struck out seven, walked only one and his teammates with the bat had 11 hits, including two home runs, by Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy, and an RBI double by Andy Pagés to leave the final count.
“He was tremendous, in total control,” commented Kike Hernández. “He was all over the strike zone. He expanded the zone when he had to. He took that home run early in the game and didn’t let it get to him. He continued to pitch his game and gave us every chance to win today.”
Hernández was another of those who continues to give opportunities to win. He had two hits and both of them turned into runs in three at-bats, in addition to drawing an eight-pitch walk.
“Kike was born to play playoffs,” considered Pagés. “He’s a different player when these moments come.”
In seven games of the current postseason, 26 at-bats, he is averaging .346 and four RBIs, including four hits in seven at-bats in the championship series.
“What Kike does every time he has reached the postseason is above what all normal players do,” Pagés added. “He has always proven to be an elite player in the playoffs.”
Brewers starter Freddy Peralta pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, including two home runs, and three runs.
The series moves to Los Angeles, where up to a maximum of three games will be played, if necessary.
“This is not over, I can tell you that,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy warned.
Of the last 26 teams to take a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series, 22 advanced to the World Series.
