• Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and lowering his ERA to 0.90, the best in MLB.
• Mookie Betts hit a home run, and Will Smith added a sacrifice fly to contribute to the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
• The Dodgers won their sixth consecutive game despite injuries to key pitchers and rotation uncertainties, highlighting Yamamoto's importance to the team.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto showcased his dominance on the mound, pitching six scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves and allowing just one hit. His performance, coupled with timely offense from Mookie Betts and Will Smith, led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-1 victory, extending their winning streak to six games. This win underscores Yamamoto's growing importance to the Dodgers, especially given their pitching rotation challenges due to injuries.

• What: Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six scoreless innings, allowing one hit, in the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the Braves.
• Who: Key players include Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts, Will Smith (Dodgers), and Austin Riley (Braves). Managers Dave Roberts (Dodgers) and the Atlanta Braves manager. Mentioned players include Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, Grant Holmes, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Sean Murphy, Ozzie Albies
• When: The game took place on May 2, 2025. Yamamoto was named National League Pitcher of the Month for March and April.
• Where: Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Yamamoto's performance demonstrates his value as a top-tier pitcher, justifying the Dodgers' significant investment. His ability to consistently deliver quality starts is crucial for the Dodgers, particularly given the injuries within their pitching rotation. The game also highlighted the Dodgers' resilience, as they secured a win despite offensive struggles and a rain delay. Yamamoto's mastery over his pitches, especially his improved splitter and curveball, has made him a formidable opponent. His adjustment to MLB is evident, and he is now performing at a level comparable to his best years in Japan.

I’ve been able to perform at a very high level. I think it’s really close to my best times in Japan.

Right now, he’s pitching like the best pitcher in the world.

He’s turning himself into a staff ace. And you know, when you look at the handful of guys in the big leagues, that when they take the ball, that you know they’re going to go six innings, you’re going to get a chance to win, a good chance to win, they can manage some stress, they’re always the best option. He’s putting himself in that category.

He dominated today, and I feel like it wasn’t even the best version of Yama, which is crazy.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's dominant performance against the Braves solidified his status as a key player for the Dodgers. With a stellar ERA and an increasing level of comfort in MLB, Yamamoto is poised to continue his success. The Dodgers' victory, despite facing injuries and rotation challenges, underscores their resilience. Looking ahead, Yamamoto's ability to pitch on a more regular schedule will be crucial as the Dodgers navigate a demanding stretch of games.