Yamamoto seeks run support, aims to ride August momentum into start vs. Cards
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LOS ANGELES -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto put together an August to remember, even if his personal win-loss record did not reflect that.
Yamamoto went just 1-2 while recording a 1.95 ERA in five August starts, the fourth-best mark among qualified National Leaguers. He'll look to keep rolling -- and keep the Dodgers in position to win -- when he takes the mound against the Cardinals on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
In two career starts against St. Louis, Yamamoto has yet to allow a run through 11 innings. The Cards' roster has gone through some changes since the last time the right-hander saw them, as he has faced only four active Cardinals players: Alec Burleson (1-for-5), Nolan Gorman (1-for-4), Iván Herrera (0-for-5) and Pedro Pagés (1-for-1).
Last time out, Yamamoto gave up a first-pitch home run to Braves catcher Drake Baldwin but did not allow another run through 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss for the Dodgers. The long ball has been somewhat of a problem for Yamamoto, as he's already surrendered a career-high 16 this season. Beyond that, he did all he could short of providing his own run support.
The Dodgers' offense had a difficult last month, but it has been boom-or-bust behind Yamamoto all season. L.A. has scored three or more runs behind him only twice in his past six starts, and five of those games were decided by one run, giving him little margin for error while he's on the mound.
Yamamoto has nevertheless been the model of consistency for the Dodgers. He has tied his MLB career high with 12 wins and recorded a 2.56 ERA through 24 starts. L.A. can always rely on him to set the tone, and the team will expect no different when he takes on the Cardinals.