Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Near-Perfect Game

On Thursday night, Yoshinobu Yamamoto came remarkably close to achieving an Immaculate Inning, falling just one pitch short. This near-miss was a result of home plate umpire Marvin Hudson missing a clear third strike, instead calling it a ball.

Yamamoto started off his outing against the Padres by hitting Bryce Johnson and Martin Maldonado within six pitches, bringing Fernando Tatis Jr. to the plate. Tatis quickly found himself in an 0-2 count.

It was astonishing when a 96 mph fastball, thrown right down the middle, was inexplicably called a ball. Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis expressed his disbelief loudly after the incorrect call: “Marvin Hudson spent a blank inning on him!”

Color commentator Eric Karos couldn’t help but add, “That means we’re not even close!” It seemed everyone was questioning the accuracy of the call.

Davis even suggested using the automatic ball and strike system, which is utilized in the minor leagues, to prevent such mistakes. “Can I lend you ABS for the night from Triple A? That’s a shame!” he remarked.

Despite the missed call, Yamamoto didn’t let it get to him. He went on to face Tatis, who swung and missed at the first pitch, showing remarkable composure with only two pitches thrown.

Immaculate Innings are a rare feat in baseball, with only 116 recorded in the history of Major League Baseball. As noted, the last instance occurred on May 18, when Marlins pitcher Cal Quantrill managed to strike out three batters in nine pitches.

Interestingly, MLB analyst Ryan M. Spaeder pointed out that there have been more Immaculate Innings than perfect games—23 compared to 21. Yet, the odds of witnessing an Immaculate Inning are still quite extraordinary.