The Dodgers are rolling into the NLCS against the Brewers with their rotation locked down exactly how they wanted it, and that means Tarik Skubal is getting the ball for Game 1, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to follow him up in Game 2. Winning that NLDS in four games against the Braves gave manager Dave Roberts the luxury of setting things up perfectly, which is huge when you’re heading into a best-of-seven.
Skubal’s Steady Hand for Game 1
So, Skubal gets the nod for Game 1, and honestly, can you blame them? The dude has been lights out. He absolutely carved up the Braves in Game 1 of the NLDS, punching out seven batters over six innings on his way to a win. This isn’t his first rodeo starting a Game 1 either, it’s his fourth. His postseason resume is insane, rocking a 1.97 ERA through seven career starts. We’re talking 63 strikeouts and only seven unintentional walks in 45 2/3 innings, and here’s the kicker: he’s gone at least six innings in all seven of those starts. Talk about consistency when it matters most. That kind of reliability sets a tone, especially on the road in Game 1.
Yamamoto’s Historic Postseason Streak
Then you’ve got Yoshinobu Yamamoto stepping onto the mound for Game 2, and what a story this guy is. He became an absolute legend in last year’s World Series, remember that? Getting the final eight outs of Game 7 after just starting and pitching six innings in Game 6 the day before? Pure grit! And here’s a fact that should make Milwaukee fans sweat: he’s the *only* pitcher in postseason history to win five straight road appearances while giving up no more than one run in each game. That crazy streak actually kicked off in Game 2 of last year’s NLCS, also in Milwaukee. Ahead of his NLDS start, Yamamoto was asked about pitching on short rest or out of the bullpen and his answer, through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda, was classic: “I’m going to get myself ready for any situation. If they want me to go out, then I go out. But for me, just those are key things for me. Postseason is just focusing on the game right in front of me.” Even with that warrior mentality, every single one of his 86 MLB starts, including 10 in the postseason, has come with at least five days rest. And guess what? Game 2 against the Brewers gives him exactly five days rest after his 10-strikeout, seven-inning gem in Atlanta on Tuesday. This setup also perfectly positions him to potentially start Game 6 on five days rest, which means their Game 1 and 3 starters would be the ones pitching Games 5 and 7 on four days rest. That’s a chess move, not just a pitching plan.
So, the stage is set for a massive NLCS showdown in Milwaukee. With Skubal and Yamamoto ready to roll, the Dodgers are coming in with some serious heat right out of the gate. This is gonna be fun to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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