Sports

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Makes Impressive Return in 1st MLB Start Since Mid-June

The Cubs beat the Dodgers to spoil Yamamoto's return. Shota Imanaga won his 13th game of the MLB season and Shohei Ohtani remained at 46 homers and 47 steals.

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2024

Ed Odeven

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs on September 10, 2024, at Dodger Stadium. (©Mark J Terrill/AP)

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In a high-profile matchup of Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his first MLB start since June 15 and Shota Imanaga was back on the mound six days after contributing to a combined no-hitter.

The Chicago Cubs scored five runs in the eighth inning and defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-3 on Tuesday, September 10 at Dodger Stadium. For the Dodgers, fielding woes in the pivotal eighth (three errors) played a big part in their defeat.

It was the first MLB showdown for Imanaga and Yamamoto, two former NPB pitching standouts in their homeland.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke about the pitching matchup before the game.

"They've traveled halfway around the world and they're still competing against each other," Counsell told reporters, according to The Associated Press. "That's pretty cool."

MLB — *The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani flies out to center field in the eighth inning. (©SANKEI)*

Chasing MLB History

Another big storyline was on display at the ballpark: The Shohei Ohtani 50-50 watch continued. But the Dodgers leadoff hitter went 0-for-4. Ohtani has 46 home runs and 47 stolen bases in 2024, and Los Angeles (86-59) has 17 games remaining this season.

He's on pace to finish with 51 homers and 52 stolen bases and become MLB's first 50-50 player in the same season.

MLB — *Cubs starter Shota Imanaga pitches in the third inning. (Mark J Terrill/AP)*

Imanaga Tagged for a Trio of Solo Homers

Chicago's Imanaga (13-3) allowed three solo home runs, including a pair to Tommy Edman, in his seven-inning outing. He scattered seven hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out four. Imanaga threw 89 pitches, 58 strikes. (He made 95 pitches on September 4, leaving after seven innings with a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.)

"Today I pitched well because I was going against him (Yamamoto)," Imanaga said through an interpreter, according to The Associated Press.

"I had a limit and I kind of went past that. It was a good day."

Yamamoto Has Full Command of His Pitches

Yamamoto, who was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, struck out the side in the first inning, including compatriot Seiya Suzuki on a full-count, four-seam fastball to end the inning.

Returning to the starting rotation for the season's stretch run after dealing with a right shoulder injury, Yamamoto fanned his fourth consecutive batter to start the second inning.

He finished with eight strikeouts and no walks in four innings, allowing one hit and one run. Yamamoto tossed 59 pitches (42 for strikes).

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.