Dodgers Cruise by Soto-Less Mets With Kyle Tucker Emergence

The Dodgers managed to win despite just getting six innings from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, something that has become a disappointment for the ever-impressive pitcher.

His command was not great; he had just five strikeouts and three walks allowed, along with five hits, but it all resulted in one run allowed.

Yamamoto is a pitcher who thrives when he can paint the edges of the strike zone and entice hitters to chase not with power, but instead with finesse and movement.

Jul 25, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) talks to starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) after the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

According to FanGraphs, Yamamoto’s pitch was rated as having a 50-out of-100 command and 61-out of- 100 stuff.

Still, considering he pitched nine innings a week ago and the Mets not requiring his best, the Dodgers will be more than happy with what they got.
gives Dodgers just enough

The Dodgers got eight hits on the night, but a lot of their offense came from defensive mistakes from the Mets.
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The Dodgers scored on a pass ball at one point, and considering they went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, they were quite lucky to get four runs on the board.

Kyle Tucker, for the second straight night, hit a home run and once again proved to be the difference. This time, it was a solo blast, but he absolutely crushed it at 107.7 MPH off his bat for 392 feet in distance.

Jul 25, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

His swing and approach look to be in a better spot, and for the Dodgers’ postseason sake, they will want to get him in a good place to thrive.

The Dodgers will aim to sweep the Mets on Sunday, July 26th, in a game that starts at 10:40 a.m. PST.

After that game, it is a flight straight to LA for a six-game homestand — a welcome break from the East Coast and likely, some In-N-Out is in order.