Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcased impressive skill during Tuesday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, throwing seven scoreless innings. The Japanese right-hander permitted only one hit and two walks while striking out nine batters, demonstrating his talent under pressure. Yamamoto’s notable performance came in the Dodgers’ eventual 4-3 win after ten innings, snapping a four-game losing streak.
Manager Dave Roberts referred to Yamamoto as an “ace,” a title he uses sparingly, but the pitcher certainly lived up to the designation. Despite the considerable pitch count, Yamamoto remained focused, with his only blemish being a single by Ketel Marte to break up his no-hit bid in the seventh inning. “A win like this is great,” Yamamoto expressed, looking to continue his contributions to the team.
Yamamoto’s performance was marked by a consistent pitch strategy, leaning heavily on his curveball and effectively utilizing his splitter. His ability to command his fastball kept Arizona’s hitters off-balance, much to the delight of catcher Will Smith. “It was really fun,” Smith said, emphasizing Yamamoto’s mastery on the mound.
With a career-high 110 pitches thrown in this outing, Yamamoto has established himself as a key player for the Dodgers since signing a significant 12-year, $325 million contract in December 2023. His confidence is steeped in the success he’s been experiencing, and Roberts noted his poise throughout the game.
The victory was clinched in dramatic fashion with Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly in the tenth inning, scoring Shohei Ohtani, following a brief setback where the Diamondbacks took a 3-1 lead. This resilience reflects the ongoing spirit of the Dodgers, who are aiming to build momentum through the season.
Yamamoto’s performance not only highlights his prowess but also offers hope to the Dodgers and their fans as they seek to regain their footing in the competitive league. With players like Yamamoto leading the charge, the team has the potential to spark a successful turnaround.