LOS ANGELES - Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out a season-high 10 batters over 5-1/3 scoreless innings as he pitched the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 9-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
The Japanese ace threw 104 pitches, 69 of them for strikes, while allowing four hits and a pair of walks in the series-clinching victory at Dodger Stadium.
"I was able to throw some strong, firm pitches," said Yamamoto (5-4). "I didn't have great command a lot of the time, but I was still able to go after hitters."
Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-5 batting in the leadoff spot as designated hitter.
The win was a cause for a double celebration in the Dodgers' clubhouse, coinciding with manager Dave Roberts' 54th birthday.
"I'm glad it turned out to be a good game," Yamamoto said.
In other Major League Baseball action, Tatsuya Imai (2-3) was charged with the Houston Astros' 2-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers after surrendering both runs in his six-inning start.
The Japanese right-hander struck out five while giving up three hits and two walks at Daikin Park.
At Progressive Field, Masataka Yoshida sparked the Boston Red Sox to a 9-4 comeback win against the Cleveland Guardians with a go-ahead two-run single with two out in the seventh inning. The Japanese slugger finished 2-for-5.
