The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a 4-1 win against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday behind another stellar start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The right-hander overcame chilly conditions at Wrigley Field to turn in five scoreless innings for the second consecutive outing.
Yamamoto gave up three hits and collected eight strikeouts against two walks, lowering his season ERA to 4.09. The 25-year-old also picked up the first win of his MLB career.
Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda that he was very pleased with his outing against the Cubs and earning the first win of his career, via SportsNet LA:
“The last outing was also good, even though I didn’t get the win. Today also, I think I did great, so I’m very happy.”
Making Yamamoto’s final line more impressive was that he loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning and escaped without allowing a run. He attributed his early struggles to over aiming his pitches:
“I think I was being too fine by aiming at the edge of the strike zone, because after that I was able to throw strikes.”
Yamamoto’s start at Wrigley Field was the first road outing of his MLB career. Prior to taking the mound, he expressed excitement about pitching in the historic ballpark.
“That is going to be my first time, of course. And I’m looking forward to it, but I just have to keep the concentration,” Yamamoto said.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto reunited with Seiya Suzuki & Shota Imanaga
The Dodgers’ weekend series against the Cubs also gave Yamamoto a chance to catch up with Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.
“I am looking forward to seeing them out in Chicago, and then also through the whole season,” Yamamoto said. “There won’t be too many times to face them and then also meet them. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Suzuki went 0-for-3 with a walk in Saturday’s matchup against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Imanaga started against the Dodgers in Sunday’s series finale.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
