The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Wild Card Series behind another stellar start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The right-hander gave up just two unearned runs on four hits and collected nine strikeouts over 6.2 innings pitched. The outing continued a dominant stretch for Yamamoto, who has not allowed an earned run over his last 24.2 innings dating back to Sept. 12 (four starts).
The 27-year-old has emerged as the unquestioned Dodgers ace this year after a solid rookie season that wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Yamamoto had to adjust to a new league and missed nearly three months due to a right shoulder injury. He also endured a rough postseason debut against the San Diego Padres before bouncing back to help the Dodgers win the World Series.
“I think what I learned is he prepares very well, very intentional with his preparation,” Roberts said of Yamamoto. “I learned that the moment isn’t too big for him, any moment. I learned that he has the ability to make pitches when he needs to. He always seems like the best option.
“And I think that if you’re talking about a player from last year to this year, I’d probably say he’s number one on the growth chart, considering coming over here and trying to get his feet wet, trying to learn the culture, the game, the hitters, create a routine for himself, to then be a really big-game pitcher.”
Roberts’ support of Yamamoto has been unwavering as he previously referred to him as the Dodgers’ MVP and best pitcher in the NL.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s postseason career
After his outstanding performance against the Reds on Wednesday, Yamamoto is now 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 25.1 innings across five postseason starts.
Next is an opportunity to pitch the Dodgers into the NL Championship Series with an opportunity to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies.
When Yamamoto faced the Phillies on April 4, he allowed just one unearned run over six innings and took a tough-luck loss at Citizens Bank Park.
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