The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 8-2 in the first game of a Sunday doubleheader at Yankee Stadium, powered by Shohei Ohtani’s offensive production and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete-game performance.

Ohtani’s Bat Shines Despite Knee Concerns

Ohtani, sidelined from pitching due to a left knee injury, contributed a 2-for-5 day at the plate, including an RBI double in the third inning and a run-scoring single in the eighth. His 111 mph line drive in the third set up the Dodgers’ first run, while a brief moment of discomfort in the fifth—after fouling a ball off his knee—did not force him from the game. The two-way star now has 60 RBIs on the season.

According to the report, Ohtani’s knee issue has not yet impacted his hitting, though it remains a concern for his pitching future.

Yamamoto’s Dominant Complete Game

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered his first career regular-season complete game, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out seven over 102 pitches. The right-hander retired the first nine Yankees in order and rebounded from a fourth-inning home run by Trent Grisham to retire nine consecutive batters afterward.

Yamamoto, now 10-6 with a 2.78 ERA in 18 starts this season, also benefited from defensive miscues by the Yankees, including two balls lost in the sun that extended innings.

Yankees Struggle in Bright Conditions

The Yankees’ defense faltered under sunny skies, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon each losing fly balls in the outfield. A five-run eighth inning for the Dodgers was fueled by these errors, including a two-run ground-rule double by Teoscar Hernández after Max Schuemann’s diving attempt came up short.

Yankees starter Cam Schlittler exited in the fifth after the Dodgers drove up his pitch count, surrendering three runs before his departure.

Dodgers’ Post-Break Resurgence

The victory marked the Dodgers’ third straight series win at Yankee Stadium, dating back to 2016, and their second consecutive win following the All-Star break. Los Angeles had struggled prior to the break, dropping four of five games, including a sweep by the Diamondbacks.

The teams will conclude the series in the nightcap of Sunday’s doubleheader, with the Dodgers opting for a bullpen game.