Straight Talk: Yamamoto’s strong effort keeps L.A. winning streak intact
John E. Gibson
Host · Writer
"Straight Talk" is a regular feature in which The Sporting Tribune's John E. Gibson offers a full translation of media availability with Dodgers Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. He will also help translate when Clippers star Rui Hachimura and L.A. Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida are asked questions in Japanese.
The job of interpreters in the heat of the moment is difficult without the ability to write down questions and answers and re-hear responses for proper context. That's where John comes in to help. John currently works as a Japanese-English interpreter and covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years. His experience as a sports reporter includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts, The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo and The Epoch Times.
LOS ANGELES – Yoshinobu Yamamoto works 6.1 sharp innings at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the bullpen can’t hold the lead as he comes away with no decision in a 5-4 victory at home on Friday night. The Dodgers won in the 10th inning, long after Yamamoto departed with nine Ks, while scattering five hits and a walk.
Q: Even when there was times when there was some traffic, you navigated through. How were you just feeling on the mound and using your full pitch mix?
Yamamoto: I had fairly good stuff today, so I just had confidence. Even when there was a runner on, I thought I was able to relax and go after them one at a time.
Q: I know you weren’t with the team in Denver, but they were able to pick up wins to carry that momentum into today, how important was that for the group, to get back on track here at home?
Yamamoto: Well, we had a winning streak going and tomorrow (Tarik) Skubal is throwing, so for me personally, it was a very important day.
