The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 on Saturday to take a commanding 2-0 World Series lead as the two teams head back to the East Coast.
The Dodgers’ win was a full team effort.
The pitchers held the Yankees to just one hit before the ninth inning, and the offense carried its own weight. Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández, and Freddie Freeman each contributed a home run.
This defensive effort was just the second time the Yankees have been held to two or fewer runs in a game during this postseason, with the first coming in Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series against the Kansas City Royals.
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge took the blame for the team’s offensive struggles, saying that he has to focus on “expanding the zone” and making smart plays while at the plate.
“I think it’s trying to make things happen instead of letting the game come to you. … Plain and simple, I’ve got to start swinging at strikes,” he said, per NPR.
One notable outcome from Game 2 was a potential injury suffered by Dodgers star designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, who seemingly injured his shoulder while sliding into second base late in the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is “going to get some tests at some point” and should “know more in the next couple days,” but initial signs indicate that the injury is not too bad.
“The strength was great. The range of motion good. So we’re encouraged,” he said, per NPR.
Regardless, Ohtani could be forced to miss time due to the injury, but Hernández said the team still believes it can close out the series over the next five potential games.
“We were battling throughout the year with a lot of injuries. First was the starting pitcher and then Mookie and then Freddie. And hopefully Ohtani is not the case,” he added, per ESPN.
Los Angeles will have the opportunity to show this experience in their next matchup against the Yankees on Monday at 7:08 p.m.
