The Los Angeles Dodgers have put all their cards on the table for the decisive Game 5 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres. After some subtle gamesmanship surrounding their lineup decisions in previous games, the Dodgers made a clear and definitive call on Thursday by announcing that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the series-clinching game at Dodger Stadium.
Yamamoto, who has impressed in his first MLB season, will be tasked with carrying the Dodgers past their division rivals and into the NLCS. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted earlier that Yamamoto would play a significant role in Game 5, but the confirmation that he will be the starting pitcher was revealed via the team’s social media.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 5 of the NLDS. pic.twitter.com/Tu2971eSXk
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 11, 2024
Yamamoto’s opponent on the mound will be fellow Japanese star Yu Darvish, who will start for the Padres. This sets up a thrilling pitcher’s duel between two of Japan’s finest exports. Adding even more intrigue to the matchup is the looming presence of Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese sensation, who could very well impact the outcome with his offensive contributions or by his mere reputation.
The winner of this Game 5 matchup will secure a spot in the National League Championship Series, where they’ll face off against the New York Mets. For the Dodgers, their hopes of advancing will rest heavily on Yamamoto’s shoulders as they aim to finish what has been an intense series with a victory at home.
Expect a high-stakes, nail-biting contest, with two elite pitchers looking to outduel each other on the national stage, while Ohtani watches from the wings, ready to make his mark.
