The Dodgers entered their Saturday game against the Rockies already assured of having the best record in Major League Baseball, which secured them the No. 1 seed in the National League and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This accomplishment set the stage for them to showcase their dominance on the field, demonstrating why they are expected to finish the season with the most wins in the sport.
In a commanding performance, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies 13-2, showcasing both their powerful offense and solid pitching from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted Yamamoto’s strong outing, noting his effective fastball and improved command throughout the game. This matchup served as a crucial warm-up for Yamamoto as he prepares for the postseason, allowing him to gain confidence after returning from an injury.
Although the game lacked postseason stakes, the Dodgers were primarily focused on getting Yamamoto back into form. He had not gone five innings since his return, making this accomplishment a significant step forward in his recovery process. Roberts expressed satisfaction with Yamamoto’s pitch count and readiness, emphasizing the added adrenaline he would experience in the postseason.
Yamamoto faced an early challenge, allowing the Rockies to score first, but he quickly regained his rhythm and finished the game strong. He struck out six batters over five innings, concluding his rookie season with an impressive 3.00 ERA. Reflecting on his journey, Yamamoto acknowledged the struggles posed by his injury but expressed gratitude for his teammates’ support, as he prepares for his first postseason experience.
The Dodgers’ offensive explosion included three-run homers from Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández, the latter nearing a personal milestone with 99 RBIs. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani raised his batting average to .310, maintaining his pursuit of the Triple Crown. With both Ohtani and Luis Arraez competing in their final games of the season, the anticipation builds for the upcoming postseason, where the Dodgers aim to leverage their formidable roster and successful regular season into playoff victories.
