LOS ANGELES — One other week, one other must-see pitching matchup that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However this time round, the Dodgers’ right-hander was bested by his counterpart, the Pirates’ Paul Skenes.
One begin after tossing seven scoreless innings to outduel the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom, Yamamoto gave up three runs (one earned) throughout 5 innings in Friday evening’s 3-0 loss at Dodger Stadium. On the opposite aspect, Skenes put collectively a dominant efficiency in his native Southern California with 6 1/3 scoreless frames.
It marked the second time the Dodgers have been shut out this season, in addition to the second time the crew has dropped three video games in a row.
Anticipation was excessive for Yamamoto and Skenes to toe the rubber reverse each other, as they’ve been two of the most effective starters within the huge leagues by means of the primary month of the season. Each are of their second Main League season, though they’re in very completely different levels of their careers at giant: Yamamoto signed a nine-figure contract with the Dodgers earlier than throwing a pitch in MLB, and Skenes was the No. 1 total Draft decide in 2023.
For the foreseeable future, each could possibly be favorites in NL Cy Younger Award voting. In an early-season pattern of six begins, Yamamoto and Skenes have actually appeared the half.
“There’s a number of time, however I do suppose that proper now, [Yamamoto’s] the most effective pitcher within the Nationwide League,” supervisor Dave Roberts stated final week in Texas. “Now, Skenes is fairly good, too, so no disrespect.”
However there was no query that Skenes bought the higher of the matchup on Friday. From the start, Yamamoto was clearly struggling together with his command. He walked two and gave up an RBI single within the first, placing an finish to his 18-inning scoreless streak getting into the competition. He went on to stroll two extra batters for a complete of 4 on the evening, probably the most he is issued in a Main League recreation.
