Yamamoto dominant as Dodgers beat Reds 4-0, edge closer to NL West title

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a dominant performance, allowing just one hit over seven innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged past the Cincinnati Reds 4-0. The victory brought the Dodgers closer to clinching the NL West division title, reducing their magic number to two. Los Angeles secured a playoff spot on Monday but remains in contention for the top seed in the National League.

Cincinnati, however, has been assured of a losing season following its 81st loss of the year. Yamamoto, who made his 27th start of the season, struck out seven and walked two while retiring the final ten batters he faced. Freddie Freeman, returning from a three-game absence with right knee soreness, contributed with three singles in five at-bats.

Josue De Paula made his first career start at leadoff, going hitless, while Teoscar Hernandez drove in the Dodgers' third run with his 15th homer of the season. Alex Freeland capped off the scoring in the seventh inning. The Reds' Tanner Scott sealed the game with a perfect inning, striking out the next three batters to end the Dodgers' nine-game winning streak against the Reds. Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell will take on Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott in the next matchup.