The Los Angeles Dodgers did not get the outing they were hoping for from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but their offense still carried them to a 12-9 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Their record in the Cactus League now stands at 10-3-1.
The game started on a sour note for Yamamoto as he allowed a single and two walks to three of the first four batters he faced. Combined with some poor infield defense and two more singles, the White Sox went on to score three runs in the first inning.
Yamamoto walked the first batter he saw in the second inning, but he retired the next three hitters while recording two strikeouts. The right-hander allowed two more singles in his third inning of work, and those were followed by a two-run double.
After an impressive first outing, Yamamoto finished his second start throwing three innings while giving up five earned runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
He should get one more start in Cactus League play before the Dodgers open their season in Seoul, South Korea, where Yamamoto is likely to make one of the starts.
Ryan Brasier followed Yamamoto and allowed two runs via a home run, which continued his rough spring as he now holds a 12.27 ERA in 3.2 innings. It’s not cause for concern yet, but the Dodgers need the veteran right-hander to figure it out before the season starts.
Shohei Ohtani made his first back-to-back start of Cactus League play and had a perfect day, going 2-for-2 with an RBI, run scored and a walk. The designated hitter is no longer rehabbing his elbow for hitting, but he still faces a year of rehab before pitching.
Freddie Freeman delivered the big hit of the day as he blasted a grand slam to give the Dodgers the lead in the fourth inning. He also had a sacrifice fly in the first inning as he finished his day 1-for-2 with five RBI and one run scored.
The Dodgers loaded the bases in the eighth inning, and with two outs, José Ramos singled to add two more runs.
Austin Barnes, Andy Pages and Andre Lipcius each drove in a run as well. It was an encouraging for Barnes as he was scratched with a back injury on Tuesday, but there doesn’t appear to be any cause for concern.
The Dodgers only committed one error in the game, but their defense struggled all day, specifically on the left side of the infield with both Max Muncy and Gavin Lux making mistakes that led to runs.
What’s next for the Dodgers in Spring Training?
The Dodgers travel to Scottsdale on Thursday for a night game with the San Francisco Giants. It’ll be a duel of the southpaws as James Paxton is schedule to face Kyle Harrison with first pitch schedule for 6:05 p.m. PT.
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