Yoshinobu Yamamoto addressed reporters at a team press conference on June 7, 2026, expressing more concern about surrendering runs in the first inning than about losing a no-hitter opportunity, even as the Los Angeles Dodgers scored 9 runs in the bottom of the first.
"I gave up runs in the first inning again — that's the bigger thing for me," Yamamoto said. He noted that in the first inning his control was slightly off and he put in unnecessary extra effort, but that he was able to correct those issues from the second inning onward. After the first inning ended, Yamamoto spoke with his catcher, Mac, to identify what needed to be fixed, and stated he felt very good on the mound from the second inning forward.
Yamamoto added that after reviewing the video, he felt there was a real chance to retire the batter who reached base in the first inning. "When I watched the footage afterward, I felt there was more of a chance to get him out than I thought," he noted. On the topic of pitching through a large run differential, he explained that he always focuses on facing one batter at a time regardless of the score, and that maintaining that concentration was the key.
Yamamoto acknowledged that having 9 runs scored in the first inning was likely the first time in his baseball career that had happened. When asked whether the lengthy bottom of the first inning made him impatient, he laughed and admitted he was thinking, "Just make an out already." He also mentioned that he has had many similar experiences pitching through large run differentials and has learned what to prioritize in those situations.
Yamamoto identified pitching from the first inning at the same quality level as the second inning onward as a clear personal challenge. He also stated he is motivated not to fall behind his teammates, acknowledging that the Dodgers roster is full of players in great condition, and that he intends to contribute as a member of the team.