Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES –– Yoshinobu Yamamoto looked every bit the ace the Dodgers hoped for on Friday night, tossing six scoreless innings against the Cubs in a 3–0 win. It was his first start back at Dodger Stadium after a road trip, and he made the most of the home crowd energy.
“I think it was a good way to return,” Yamamoto said postgame through an interpreter. “It was my first game back, and I was able to find a good rhythm from the start. That really helped me settle in.”
Yamamoto kept the Cubs off balance by mixing all his pitches effectively. He said that while it wasn’t a conscious decision to use his full arsenal, it came naturally thanks to the feel he had for each pitch. “It turned out to be a game where I used everything, and I felt confident in how I executed each one,” he said.
One pitch in particular stood out: the splitter. Yamamoto explained that he’s been able to control it much better this season. “Last year, even when we called for the splitter, I couldn’t always execute, and I’d fall behind in the count and have to rely on my fastball,” he said. “This year, I feel much more in control, and that’s made a big difference.”
He also praised his teammates, particularly the defensive support behind him and a key home run in the sixth inning. “I’m always amazed by the plays they make. Today they really helped me out defensively, and that homer in the sixth was huge. I’m lucky to have such great teammates.”
Even though he crossed the 100-pitch mark for the first time this season, Yamamoto said he didn’t feel overly fatigued. “It was the highest pitch count I’ve had this year, but physically I felt good and was able to stay strong through the outing.”
With performances like this, it’s clear Yamamoto is settling in—and giving Dodgers fans plenty to be excited about.
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