Dodgers make history as Snell, Ohtani and Yamamoto set new record

The 2025 postseason has started with a bang for the Los Angeles Dodgers – and not just because of their explosive lineup. This time, the real story is their starting rotation, which is writing a new chapter in October baseball history.

For the first time in franchise history, Dodgers starters have struck out at least nine batters in each of their first four postseason games. The streak, unmatched until now, showcases complete dominance from the mound and has been key to the team’s unstoppable start in the playoffs.

A historic streak, game by game

Wild Card Game 1 vs. Reds — Blake Snell: The left-hander, a Cy Young winner in both leagues, opened the postseason with a masterful outing – sharp breaking pitches, full command, and presence on the hill. He fanned nine to set the tone.

Wild Card Game 2 vs. Reds — Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The Japanese ace proved why his signing was one of the most talked-about of the year. With surgical precision, a perfect mix of pitches, and the poise of a veteran, he also notched nine Ks in his MLB postseason debut.

Division Series Game 1 vs. Phillies — Shohei Ohtani: In his long-awaited return to the postseason mound, Ohtani didn’t disappoint. The Japanese phenom combined blistering velocity, a vicious slider, and pinpoint control to strike out nine hitters from a dangerous Philadelphia lineup.

Division Series Game 2 vs. Phillies — Blake Snell (again): Snell took the ball once more and delivered the same result – another nine strikeouts. That made him the first pitcher ever to be part of two consecutive nine-strikeout games in the same October, sealing a stat line never before seen in Dodgers history.

Though Los Angeles has fielded legendary rotations – from Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale to Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw in his prime – never before had four consecutive starters each recorded at least nine strikeouts in the postseason.

This record highlights not just elite individual talent but also the Dodgers’ meticulous game planning. Their coaching staff has managed each arm to perfection, maximizing every pitch when it matters most.

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