CNN
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The Los Angeles Dodgers sealed their spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time since 2021 when they earned a 2-0 victory against the San Diego Padres to complete their series victory.

Despite having a star-studded roster, the Dodgers’ postseason attack was hampered by a succession of injuries and they were staring at the prospect of elimination in Game 4 before regrouping to advance to the NLCS, where they will now face the New York Mets. a spot in the World Series.

They got there thanks to an impressive performance by Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw five innings and gave up only two hits. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he became only the third rookie to pitch five or more innings without allowing a run in a winner-take-all postseason game.

“Well, this is the best we’ve ever seen him,” Padres manager Mike Shildt told MLB.com. “I liked his fastball in and out. He threw the secondary (throws) when he needed to, and we just couldn’t string anything together. I thought he rose to the occasion.”

It marked a remarkable turnaround for Yamamoto, who reportedly signed a 12-year deal worth $325 million in December after allowing five runs in three innings in Game 1.

He then didn’t pitch in Game 4 as the Dodgers’ bullpen dominated. She also played a key role in the Dodgers’ Game 5 victory, combining in the final four innings to complete the shutout.

Enrique Hernández and Teoscar Hernández both hit home runs to seal the Dodgers’ victory.

“I didn’t do my job well last time,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda, according to MLB.com. “I just tried to focus on preparing myself in a more meticulous way. And in terms of velo today I think my mechanics were locked up.

The NLCS Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at Dodger Stadium.