Dodgers' Betts error spoils Yamamoto's perfect game bid

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto nearly achieved a perfect game against the Chicago White Sox, but the bid was broken in the bottom of the eighth inning by a defensive miscue from star Mookie Betts. Yamamoto had recorded two outs when a routine ground ball to shortstop was mishandled by Betts, ending the perfect game bid.

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I have no excuses. I should have gotten that out.

Following the game, Betts acknowledged his responsibility, stating, "I have no excuses. I should have gotten that out." When asked if the final bounce was higher than expected, Betts briefly replied, "Yeah, a little bit."

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Yeah, a little bit.

Yamamoto, however, offered support for his veteran teammate. "I did manage to get the batter to hit a not-so-strong ground ball, but the bounce was really big, and it was an irregular bounce, so I don't have any thoughts about that error at all," Yamamoto said postgame. "That ball's bounce was really hard to handle, and even from my position, it wasn't an easy play," added starting catcher Dalton Rushing. "Ultimately, that error didn't end the no-hitter, and nobody is blaming Mookie."

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I did manage to get the batter to hit a not-so-strong ground ball, but the bounce was really big, and it was an irregular bounce, so I don't have any thoughts about that error at all.

Rushing further emphasized Betts's competitive nature and high standards. "Betts is a player with a very strong competitive spirit and a top star," Rushing said. "He's someone who holds himself more accountable than anyone else, and that's something other players should learn from. He quickly adjusted his emotions, so everything is fine."

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That ball's bounce was really hard to handle, and even from my position, it wasn't an easy play. Ultimately, that error didn't end the no-hitter, and nobody is blaming Mookie.