CNN
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The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time since 2021 by earning a 2-0 win over the San Diego Padres to complete their series victory.

Despite boasting a star-studded roster, the Dodgers’ postseason was hampered by a series of injuries and they were hoping for a Game 4 exit before regrouping to move on to the NLCS, where they now face the New York Mets will compete for a spot in the World Series.

They achieved their goal thanks to an impressive performance from Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who went five innings and allowed only two hits. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he became just the third rookie to throw five or more innings without allowing a run in a winner-take-all postseason game.

“Well, it’s the best we’ve ever seen,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said, according to MLB.com. “I liked his fastball in and out. Throw the secondary throws when needed and we just couldn’t string anything together. I thought he would rise to the occasion.”

It was a remarkable turnaround for Yamamoto, who reportedly signed a 12-year, $325 million contract in December after allowing five runs in three innings in Game 1.

Then he didn’t throw a pitch in Game 4 as the Dodgers’ bullpen dominated. She also played a major role in the Dodgers’ Game 5 win, combining to pitch the final four innings to complete the shutout.

Enrique Hernández and Teoscar Hernández both hit home runs to give the Dodgers the win.

“Last game, I didn’t do my job well,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda, according to MLB.com. “I just tried to focus on getting ready and preparing more carefully. And as far as today’s bike goes, I think my mechanics were locked in.”

NLCS Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at Dodger Stadium.