Yoshinobu Yamamoto is nothing if not a daredevil.
The Dodgers ace has one of the filthiest pitch repertoires in big league history. His propensity to craft highlights from the bump takes on a new life in the playoffs. He reminded onlookers of as much in Los Angeles’ win over Braves in Game 3.
Here’s a look at Yamamoto’s Game 3 performance, the latest in a string of epic playoff showings he has authored across his still-budding MLB career.
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto playoff history
Yamamoto has produced more fireworks than most since first traipsing onto the mound in the United States. He’s a perennial Cy Young contender, posting a sizzling 2.61 ERA and 159 ERA+ in three seasons with the Dodgers.
Yamamoto has tended to improve upon those metrics in the postseason. The Japanese standout anchored Los Angeles’ rotation during its run to the 2025 title, picking up World Series MVP honors. He entered into Tuesday’s match sporting a glittering 2.25 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 56.0 innings.
The trend of dominance that the diminutive ace has become known for continued on Tuesday night. Yamamoto authored up another epic display — one that reaffirms his status as baseball’s best big-game pitcher.
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto postseason stats
Here’s a look at how Yamamoto’s October numbers looked prior to his start against the Braves.
- Starts: 10
- Innings pitched: 56.0
- Record: 7-1
- ERA: 2.25
- Strikeouts: 48
Yoshinobu Yamamoto stats vs Braves
Two games after Tarik Skubal impressed to lead the Dodgers to a win over Atlanta, Yamamoto did him one better, producing a historic display to propel Los Angeles to a win.
- Innings pitched: 7.0
- Earned runs: 1
- Walks: 1
- Hits: 4
- ERA: 1.29
- Strikeouts: 10
Yamamoto’s outing — marked by a 7.0-inning, 10-strikeout, sub-2 walk and sub-100 pitch final line — represented the first of its kind since pitch tracking started in 1988, according to Opta.
The result also proved significant; it’s the fifth-straight postseason appearance Yamamoto earned a win in while not allowing more than one run or one walk in. According to Opta, no other pitcher in MLB history has accomplished that feat.
