Dodgers' Mookie Betts breaks silence on error that cost Yoshinobu Yamamoto perfect game bid
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Dodgers' Mookie Betts breaks silence on error that cost Yoshinobu Yamamoto perfect game bid originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of witnessing a perfect game on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was cruising through the lineup and was just a few outs away from making history.
However, things took an unfortunate turn for Yamamoto. Mookie Betts booted a routine ground ball at shortstop, ending the perfect game bid with four outs remaining.
“An error on a routine play from Mookie Betts puts an end to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s perfect game bid. He’s still 3 outs away from throwing a no-hitter,” Dodgers beat writer Blake Harris wrote.
Not only was Yamamoto a few outs away from a perfect game, but he was also one out shy of tying an MLB record for consecutive batters retired.
“Oh man. Mookie Betts just booted a grounder at shortstop on what looked like a high hop at the last second. Official scorer immediately rules it an error, so the no-hitter is still alive. But Yamamoto falls one out short of the MLB record for consecutive batters retired,” California Post’s Jack Harris wrote.
Yamamoto was unable to complete the no-hitter either, as he surrendered a solo home run in the ninth inning to end that bid as well. It was simply an unfortunate day for the Dodgers ace. After the game, Betts addressed the error on the routine ground ball.
“Just a routine ground ball that I missed. I’m not making any excuses. I should have made the play,” Betts told the media.
Betts knows that is a play he makes nine out of 10 times, and it is unfortunate that the error came in such a significant moment. Even so, Yamamoto turned in a memorable performance. It also marked the second consecutive season that he has lost a no-hit bid in the final inning.
Betts undoubtedly feels responsible for costing his teammate a chance at a perfect game, although the ninth-inning home run that ended the no-hitter may ease the sting slightly. If a similar situation arises again, Betts will be determined to make the play.
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