Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t just win Game 3 of the NLDS against Atlanta; he absolutely torched them, silencing any doubt after Chris Sale had shut the Dodgers down back on August 27. The Dodgers needed to take control of that series, and to do it, they had to pull off something they hadn’t managed all year: win in Atlanta. Yamamoto did it, and then some, in just one try.
Shogun Yamamoto: Bane of the ATL
Seriously, the last general this successful in Atlanta was William Tecumseh Sherman, and that’s the vibe Yamamoto brought. He tossed any thoughts of a 2022 redux right out the window with another totally dominant performance. And get this: he actually got run support on the road! Two insane stats popped up from his Game 3 gem that really highlight just how clutch Yamamoto is when his offense shows up. First, in his MLB career, this dude is 34-0, playoffs and regular season combined, whenever he gets at least three runs of support. Honestly, it should be 35-0 if you remember that chilly night in Baltimore last year. But here’s the flip side: he’s 0-9 in 2026 when the Dodgers only manage two runs or less in his starts. The big takeaway? On the road, this guy finds another gear, no question.
The Road Warrior Legend
Yamamoto isn’t just good on the road, he’s making history. He’s the first pitcher in MLB history to earn the victory in his last five straight postseason appearances while not allowing more than a single run or walk in any of them. Every single one of those five appearances? On the road. That’s Game 2 of the ’25 NLCS in Milwaukee, Game 2 and Game 6 of the ’25 World Series in Toronto, Game 7 of the ’25 World Series, also in Toronto, and now Game 3 of the ’26 NLDS in Atlanta. His best no-hitter and perfect game bids weren’t even at Dodger Stadium; they were on the road in Baltimore in 2025 and the South Side of Chicago in 2026. The numbers don’t lie, either. At home in 2026, hitters went .190/.247/.350 against him in 16 games, banging out 14 homers. But on the road in 12 games? They hit a measly .171/.225/.255 with only 6 dingers. That’s a huge difference!
Now, like Godot, the Dodgers are waiting, but soon they’re heading to Milwaukee. Looks like the NLCS rotation is shaping up to be Tarik Skubal for Game 1 and a crucial Game 5, with Yamamoto pitching Game 2, followed by Blake Snell in Game 3 and Tyler Glasnow in Game 4. Milwaukee better be ready for what’s coming.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
Leave a Reply