Yamamoto's Masterclass
Dodgers Erupt with 9-Run First Inning, Yamamoto Dominates Angels for 9-2 Rout
Yoshinobu Yamamoto put on a masterclass Saturday night, retiring 22 consecutive batters over eight innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers demolished the Angels 9-2 at Dodger Stadium Associated Press. The win was never in doubt after a stunning nine-run first inning — the biggest single-inning outburst by the Dodgers since July 2, 2021 Associated Press.
The beatdown pushed the Dodgers' 2026 Freeway Series edge to an almost unbelievable 41-5 across five meetings oskaloosa.com. Los Angeles improved to 42-23, while the Angels fell to a woeful 24-41.
Nine-Run First Inning Ends Angels' Night Early
The Angels actually struck first. Wade Meckler reached on a bunt single. Oswald Peraza then crushed an RBI triple to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead wral.com. That lead lasted about 15 minutes.
The Dodgers sent 12 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first. Andy Pages launched a two-run homer — his 14th of the season. Shohei Ohtani added an infield single and later a two-run blast, his 11th homer of the year hjnews.com. A throwing error by shortstop Zach Neto cleared the bases and all but ended the game. Seven hits and 40 minutes later, it was 9-1 Dodgers.
Yamamoto Locks In and Shuts the Door
After the long first-inning wait, Yamamoto had to stay loose on his own. He said through an interpreter that he threw "a ball against the back of the dugout to stay warm" wral.com. It worked. He was nearly perfect from that point on.
Yamamoto finished with 8 innings pitched, 2 hits, 1 earned run, 4 strikeouts, and 0 walks on just 93 pitches — 69 for strikes CBS Sports. The 22-batter retirement streak he ran off is a season highlight. His ERA dropped to 2.68, and over his last four starts it sits below 1.00. Manager Dave Roberts said Yamamoto's focus "says everything" about his makeup as a pitcher.
Kochanowicz Gets Torched in Career-Worst Outing
Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz recorded just one out. He gave up 6 hits and 7 runs — 6 earned — in one-third of an inning newsday.com. His ERA ballooned to 6.05. Analysts expect him to be demoted to Triple-A Salt Lake in the coming days.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, in his first year leading the club after replacing Ron Washington, called the loss "tough" and said the team lacked "momentum on offense" after the first inning idahopress.com. With 11 straight losing seasons now on the books, the Angels' problems run much deeper than one bad start.
Dodger Dynasty Deepens as Angels Crisis Grows
The Dodgers are two-time defending World Series champions and look every bit the part. Their 41-5 edge over the Angels this season reflects a gap that goes beyond talent heraldbulletin.com. Fans in the stands held "Sell the Team" signs aimed at Angels owner Arte Moreno — a symbol of growing frustration in Anaheim.
Los Angeles does face one concern. Ace Tyler Glasnow was placed on the 60-day injured list with a back injury on June 6 wdtimes.com. That puts more pressure on Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki to eat innings. Based on Saturday's performance, Yamamoto seems more than ready for that role.
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