Full Breakdown
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Near-Perfect Game Ends in Chicago
6/14/2026, 6:37:10 AM
The Near-Perfect Game
On June 13, 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto carried a perfect game into the eighth inning at Rate Field. After retiring the first 23 White Sox batters, a routine grounder by Chase Meidroth slipped off shortstop Mookie Betts’ glove with two outs, allowing the first baserunner. Yamamoto kept the no-hit bid alive, but a leadoff solo homer by Tristan Peters on a 96.6 mph fastball in the ninth ended both the no-hitter and the shutout. The Dodgers held on for a 7–1 victory.
Background & Context
Yamamoto entered the start on a 45-batter retirement streak spanning two outings, tying Mark Buehrle’s modern-era record and ranking second only to Yusmeiro Petit’s 46. He previously lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 6, 2025. Manager Dave Roberts had earlier predicted a no-hitter this season, and the Dodgers were seeking their first solo no-hitter since Clayton Kershaw’s in 2014.
Key Figures & Groups
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Dodgers ace, 2025 World Series MVP.
- Mookie Betts – Dodgers shortstop, Gold-Glove finalist, whose error ended the perfect-game bid.
- Tristan Peters – White Sox rookie outfielder who broke the no-hitter with a ninth-inning homer.
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers designated hitter, leadoff homered in the first inning.
- Max Muncy – Dodgers first baseman, added two-run homers.
- Mark Prior – Dodgers pitching coach.
- Dalton Rushing – Dodgers catcher.
Timeline of Critical Moments
1. 1st – 7th innings – Yamamoto retires 23 consecutive batters; Ohtani and Muncy each homer.
2. 8th inning, 2 outs – Meidroth grounds to Betts; error puts runner on first.
3. 9th inning, 1st pitch – Peters hits solo home run; Yamamoto’s no-hit bid ends.
4. 9th inning, 2 outs – Yamamoto records final out; Alex Vesia closes the game.
Data & Statistics
- Pitches: 109 (74 strikes)
- Strikeouts: 7; Walks: 0
- Hits/Run: 1 hit, 1 run (both from Peters)
- Streak: 45 consecutive batters retired (Dodgers franchise record)
- Attendance: 37,832 (sellout)
- Final Score: Dodgers 7, White Sox 1
Why It Matters
Had Yamamoto completed the perfect game, it would have been the 25th in MLB history and the first by a Japanese pitcher. The near-historic performance reinforces his Cy Young candidacy and underscores the Dodgers’ reliance on a single ace for deep-run rotation stability. The game also highlighted the thin margin between individual milestones and team outcomes.
Official Statements & Responses
Betts acknowledged the error, stating he “did everything I was supposed to do” and took no excuses. Yamamoto expressed regret over missing the no-hitter but said he was “pretty satisfied” with his overall pitching. Prior praised Yamamoto’s command, calling him “special” and noting his “surgical” pitch execution. Rushing emphasized that “everything was on,” making the effort easier for the pitcher.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted Betts’ error as an uncharacteristic defensive lapse, marking only his second error of the season after a sub-average .196 batting line. Some observers questioned the Dodgers’ heavy reliance on Yamamoto’s streak, suggesting that a single misplay could jeopardize historic opportunities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just a routine ground ball that I missed,” — Mookie Betts, Dodgers shortstop
- “I did everything I was supposed to do; I just didn’t catch the ball.” — Mookie Betts
- “He’s special. We all know that,” — Mark Prior, Dodgers pitching coach
- “He’s surgical with all his pitches.” — Mark Prior
- “Everything was on, makes things a little easier on you,” — Dalton Rushing, Dodgers catcher
- “I do feel a little bit regrettable, because I went into the ninth inning and I was not able to achieve a no-hitter,” — Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers pitcher
What’s Next
Yamamoto is slated to start again on June 20 against the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers will close the three-game series with Emmet Sheehan facing White Sox right-hander Erick Fedde on Sunday.
