In the first game of a series that is a potential preview of this year’s Fall Classic, Yoshinobu Yamamoto arguably had his best start of the season against the New York Yankees.
The $325M ace hurled seven scoreless innings only allowing two hits and two walks while tallying up seven strikeouts and 13 whiffs against a red-hot Yankees offense. New York came into Friday night’s game boasting the best record in MLB.
Yamamoto threw a season-high 106 pitches Friday night in his first MLB start at Yankee Stadium.
However, the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie had to settle for a no-decision as Los Angeles couldn’t provide run support, forcing the game to extras tied 0-0. The Dodgers would go on to win 2-1 in 11 innings.
Manager Dave Roberts had all the confidence in Yamamoto before his start.
“He’s pitched in a lot of big games in his career,” Roberts said to reporters. “This is just going to be another experience for him.”
The dominant start from Yamamoto lowered his ERA to an even 3.00 on the season and his WHIP down to 1.07.
If his disastrous first start in Korea is ignored, Yamamoto’s numbers are even better. Since March 30, he owns a 2.40 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 71 innings.
The Yankees heavily pursued Yamamoto this offseason. Manager Aaron Boone revealed they even gave him his own Yankees jersey with the No. 18 on the back.
However, their best and final offer was a 10-year deal for $300 million. They would be beat out when the Dodgers signed him to a 12-year, $325 million deal.
