Yoshinobu Yamamoto and his Dodgers teammates defeat the Brewers to take the series.

MILWAUKEE — A Textbook Victory for the Dodgers

On Sunday afternoon, the Dodgers delivered what could be considered a perfect example of a victory, securing a commanding 5–1 win against the Brewers in their series finale at American Family Field.

Starting strong, Yoshinobu Yamamoto returned to Milwaukee, where he had previously thrown a complete game in last year’s National League Championship Series. He was on fire again, allowing just one run over seven innings.

The Dodgers’ offensive explosion came in the fifth inning, where they scored four runs after an even start. Highlights included Kyle Tucker’s two-run triple and Andy Pages’ two-run homer.

Meanwhile, the bullpen continued its record-breaking streak, with now 38 consecutive scoreless innings, showing impressive performance throughout the game.

Great defensive efforts also contributed to the win, marked by two double plays and an MLB-leading fifth outfield assist by center fielder Pages.

Even when the Brewers briefly took the lead in the bottom of the second with a grounder, the Dodgers maintained their composure. Facing Milwaukee’s hard-throwing pitcher Brandon Sproat for the first time didn’t rattle them, which was impressive given their struggles just weeks prior.

Back then, the defending champions were floundering with just 9 wins and 14 losses, struggling to find a rhythm. Yet, they have turned things around, posting a 9-2 record since then, culminating in a successful nine-game road trip with seven wins.

What It Means

The Brewers had been on a hot streak, winning 11 of their last 13 games. But it seems the Dodgers might be regaining their status as the hottest team in baseball.

After breaking a nine-game regular season losing streak against Milwaukee on Saturday, they clinched a series win against the Brewers for the first time since 2024 and at American Family Field since 2023. Additionally, they have now won three consecutive series, maintaining their lead in the National League West, just a game behind the Padres, and holding a solid record in the overall standings (two and a half games behind the Brewers).

Who Is Hot

Kyle Tucker has been putting up impressive numbers this season, and outings like Sunday’s could signal a turning point. He went 2-for-5 with a two-run triple and a double, marking just his second game this year with multiple extra-base hits.

Since moving down in the batting order a month ago, Tucker has seen his average rise from .233 to .268. However, he’s still working on his power swing, which has been inconsistent. We’ll see if Sunday’s performance was a sign of a more consistent future.

Who Is Not?

Quique Hernandez is set to rejoin the team on Monday, prompting some changes in the roster. There’s been talk about Santiago Espinal possibly getting cut, with Hernandez viewed as a better option for right-handed utility.

However, Kim Hye-sung isn’t helping his case, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Sunday. This extends his slump to 6-for-40. While Kim’s left-handed hitting and defensive speed give him some leeway, he might need to turn things around quickly, especially with Tommy Edman nearing his return from the IL.