Thu Oct 02 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers Sweep Reds, Advance to NLDS Behind Yamamoto’s Dominance

**LOS ANGELES, CA -** Yoshinobu Yamamoto cemented his status as the Dodgers’ ace on Wednesday night, pitching 6 2/3 innings of masterful baseball and leading Los Angeles to an 8-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The win completes a Wild Card Series sweep and sends the Dodgers to the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Yamamoto, who signed a historic 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers, showcased why he was worth the investment. After a shaky first inning that included two unearned runs due to an error, he settled into a groove, retiring 13 straight batters. He navigated a bases-loaded, no-outs jam in the sixth, striking out two batters to escape unscathed.

“As a starting pitcher, my job is getting as deep into the game as possible,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter. “And today I was just trying to bring my everything out there.”

Manager Dave Roberts expressed his confidence in Yamamoto, choosing to ride his ace deep into the game despite the high stakes. “I figured that the Dodgers’ chances of winning were as high as could be as long as Yamamoto was on the mound,” Roberts explained.

Infielder Miguel Rojas lauded Yamamoto’s dedication, stating, “Throwing 110 pitches, going seven innings right there, it talks a lot about a guy who is just not satisfied with what we did last year. He wants another one.”

Yamamoto’s performance continues a trend of dominant starting pitching for the Dodgers. With the rotation becoming the team’s biggest strength, Yamamoto has been the constant, leading the team in innings pitched and ERA.

Looking ahead to the NLDS against the Phillies, Roberts exuded confidence in his team’s chances. “I think we can win it all,” he stated. “I think we’re equipped to do that. We certainly have the pedigree. We certainly have the hunger. We’re playing great baseball.”

The Dodgers will face the Phillies in Philadelphia on Saturday, hoping to continue their quest to become the first team in a quarter century to win back-to-back World Series championships.

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