Dave Roberts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Disappointed by Rocky Start

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a tough start in the playoff opener against the Cincinnati Reds, with manager Dave Roberts and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto expressing disappointment over a calamitous first inning that allowed three runs. Yamamoto took responsibility for the poor performance despite defensive errors.

Key points

Dodgers faced a tough start in playoff opener
Yamamoto threw 26 pitches in the first inning
Three runs scored by the Giants in the first inning
Yamamoto took responsibility for the poor performance
Manager Roberts expressed disappointment

Los Angeles DodgersYoshinobu YamamotoAlex CallTeoscar Hernandez

Oct 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) relieves starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

A calamitous first inning sunk the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tuesday’s series opener, and both manager Dave Roberts and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto expressed discontent with the latter’s outing.

Yamamoto threw 26 pitches in the first inning, during which the Giants scored three runs. An overthrow to first and an outfield collision between Alex Call and Teoscar Hernandez heavily contributed to the Giants’ three-spot in the first frame. Despite the defensive mistakes, though, Yamamoto shouldered the blame.

“I think today’s game was about the first inning,” Yamamoto said. “I wanted to minimize the damage but I was not able to do that.”

He still managed to piece himself together for a solid outing, though, pitching seven innings and only allowing the three runs. Roberts admitted Yamamoto wasn’t at his best early, but still commended him for being able to see the rest of the evening out.