Dodgers Recap: Yamamoto Shines, Betts Homers as Dodgers Take Game One in Atlanta
Game 32, 5/01/2025: Dodgers 2, Braves 1
ATLANTA — Runs were at a premium at Truist Park on Friday night, but the Dodgers were just one better. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was once again magnificent, and a Mookie Betts homer provided the margin of victory in the Dodgers’ 2-1 victory over the rival Atlanta Braves.
After a day off on Thursday, the Dodgers opened their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Friday night. Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound for Los Angeles, while Atlanta countered with Grant Holmes.
Yamamoto, recently named NL Pitcher of the Month, continued his stellar start to the season. The right-hander flirted with a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering his only hit of the night. He finished with another dominant performance: 6.0 innings pitched, one hit, two walks, and six strikeouts.
The Dodgers struck first in the top of the fourth when Will Smith hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Mookie Betts and giving L.A. a 1-0 lead.
In the sixth, Betts added insurance with a solo home run, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 2-0.
After Yamamoto exited, the bullpen took over. Kirby Yates pitched the seventh, allowing a solo home run but striking out one. Tanner Scott followed with a clean eighth, also recording a strikeout.
Rain delayed the game in the ninth, but Evan Phillips eventually closed things out. He delivered a scoreless inning and earned the save, sealing a 2-1 win for the Dodgers.
Though the offense wasn’t explosive, timely hitting and elite pitching made the difference. Game two of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 4:15 p.m., with Roki Sasaki set to face Spencer Schwellenbach.
