Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues dominant form after World Series

Yoshinobu Yamamoto retired 20 straight batters after an early homer and finished with four hits allowed and seven strikeouts in the Dodgers' 2-1 win, and he has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has continued the form that helped him win a World Series MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers signed him before the 2024 season after a decorated career in Japan that included championships and an All-Star appearance. In Tuesday night's matchup at Dodger Stadium he faced the New York Mets' rookie Nolan McLean, gave up an early home run to Francisco Lindor, and then retired the next 20 batters. He left after 104 pitches and received a standing ovation as he walked off the mound. Game and season facts: - Yamamoto allowed a home run to Francisco Lindor on his third pitch, then retired the next 20 batters before surrendering a two-out double to Bo Bichette in the seventh. - He threw a career-high 42 splitters in the game and finished with four hits allowed, one walk and seven strikeouts over 104 pitches. - The Dodgers won 2-1 when Kyle Tucker hit an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth and Alex Vesia struck out the side for the save. - Los Angeles entered the game 13-4 and Yamamoto has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season. - Opponents are hitting .063 against his splitter so far this season, and Manager Dave Roberts said Yamamoto "is one of the elite pitchers in baseball." Summary: Yamamoto's outing reinforced the early-season consistency he has shown, with strong results from his splitter and efficient command across starts. The performance aligns with his success in Japan and his World Series recognition, and it factors into how the Dodgers are using him this season. Undetermined at this time.