Yamamoto fans 10 in a statement performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dramatic 5-4 win over Arizona. The Japanese ace delivered seven strong innings at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, once again proving his value in the Dodgers’ rotation. From the very first pitch, Yoshinobu Yamamoto set the tone. He struck out the side in the opening frame and continued that dominance deep into the game. Notably, he retired the first 10 batters he faced. However, Ketel Marte eventually broke the streak with a bunt single in the fourth inning.
Despite the minor hiccup, Yamamoto fans 10 without walking a single batter. He allowed just one run on a soft single by Adrian Del Castillo. The right-hander exited after the seventh inning with his team ahead 4-1. Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ bullpen failed to hold that lead. Arizona scored three runs in the eighth inning, tying the game and creating late-inning tension. However, the Dodgers responded immediately.
Will Smith led off the bottom of the ninth as a pinch hitter. Then, he delivered the game-winning blow with a solo home run that sailed over the left-field wall. That clutch swing gave the Dodgers the win and allowed them to avoid a sweep. Shohei Ohtani also contributed early in the game. For instance, he singled to lead off the first and scored on a two-run rally. Although he went 1-for-4 at the plate, his presence energized the lineup.
Speaking after the game, Yamamoto credited his pitch mix and recent consistency. “I threw all my pitches with intent,” he said. “Not walking anyone shows I’m in rhythm. I know what I need to focus on now.” This marked the third time this season that Yamamoto fans 10 in a game. Therefore, it tied his Major League career high, once again highlighting his steady development.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers widened their division lead to two games over the Padres. San Diego lost to Minnesota 7-2, helping Los Angeles pull slightly ahead in the National League West. Elsewhere in MLB, Kodai Senga struggled in New York. He gave up five runs in just 4 2/3 innings against the Marlins. Although Senga struck out six, he couldn’t avoid the loss as the Mets fell 5-1 at Citi Field. Ultimately, Yamamoto’s standout performance, paired with Smith’s timely home run, brought much-needed relief to Dodgers fans. Now, the team looks to build on this momentum heading into their next series.
