Yamamoto to start Game 3 for Dodgers against Braves' Sale, series tied 1-1
In short
Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers will start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves with the series tied 1-1. He is set to face Braves left-hander Chris Sale, who shut out the Dodgers when the two met in August. Sankei Shimbun also reported that manager Dave Roberts is considering dropping Shohei Ohtani in the batting order.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, with the series tied at one game each, according to Japanese media reports. Yamamoto held a press conference in Atlanta on Oct. 5, the day before the game, and said he wants to win. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Yamamoto is set to face Braves left-hander Chris Sale, described by Nippon TV News as a Cy Young Award-winning left-hander. Sankei Shimbun reported that the two faced each other in Atlanta in August, when Yamamoto allowed one run in part of seven innings but Sale threw a shutout and won. Yamamoto said the loss was frustrating and that he remembers it, but added that tomorrow is a new game and he will focus. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Sankei Shimbun quoted Yamamoto as saying, “I think it will be an important game that changes the flow of the series. I will just try to win.” Nippon TV News reported that Yamamoto also said, “No matter who the opponent is, my style does not change.” [ 2 , 3 ]
On the Dodgers' offense, Sankei Shimbun reported that Shohei Ohtani is expected to provide run support but has not hit a home run since Aug. 18 and is not in top form. Ohtani has batted first or second this season. Manager Dave Roberts is considering moving him down in the batting order and said he would explain the decision to Ohtani if he makes it, according to Sankei Shimbun. [ 2 ]
The documents do not report the outcome of Game 3 or any first-pitch time. Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Nippon TV News provided only headline-level items, while Sankei Shimbun carried the only full article among the documents. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
Game 3 is a pivotal playoff game, and the pitching matchup between Yamamoto and former Cy Young winner Sale is the focus of Japanese coverage. A possible lineup change for Ohtani, who has not homered since Aug. 18, could affect the Dodgers' offense as they try to take the series lead.
Key facts
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 3 of the Dodgers-Braves Division Series. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The series is tied at one game each. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Yamamoto will face Braves left-hander Chris Sale, an ace matchup. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- In August, Yamamoto allowed one run in part of seven innings against the Braves in Atlanta, while Sale threw a shutout and won. [ 2 ]
- Yamamoto said he wants to win and that he will focus on the new game. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Shohei Ohtani has not hit a home run since Aug. 18 and is not in top form, according to Sankei Shimbun. [ 2 ]
- Manager Dave Roberts is considering moving Ohtani down in the batting order and would explain the decision to him if he does. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The result of Game 3 is not known. The documents are pre-game reports published before the game was played.
- Whether Shohei Ohtani will be moved down in the batting order. Sankei Shimbun says manager Roberts is considering it, but no decision has been announced.
- The exact first-pitch time of Game 3. None of the documents state a start time.
- Details from the press conference beyond the quotes carried by Sankei Shimbun. Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Nippon TV News provided only headline-level items, and Sankei Shimbun's article is the only full report among the documents.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Nishi-Nippon Shimbun publishes a headline on Yamamoto's wish to win and the ace matchup with Sale. [ 1 ]
- Sankei Shimbun publishes an article with Yamamoto's press conference quotes and a note on Ohtani's possible lineup change. [ 2 ]
- Nippon TV News publishes a headline on Yamamoto saying his style does not change regardless of the opponent, ahead of his Game 3 start. [ 3 ]