Roki Sasaki successfully extinguished the fire and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a crucial victory.

During the MLB National League Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in the second game, leading the series 2-0 as they head back to their home stadium in Los Angeles. In the late stages, the Dodgers’ bullpen almost allowed a tie in the ninth inning, but Roki Sasaki managed to maintain control and secure the vital victory. After the game, teammates praised Sasaki’s calm demeanor under pressure, calling his performance incredible.

In the bottom of the ninth, Blake Treinen gave up consecutive hits to Alec Bohm, J.T. Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos, narrowing the score to just one run. After an emergency pitching change to Alex Vesia, who recorded two outs but allowed runners on first and third, Roki Sasaki entered to put out the fire. He induced Trea Turner to ground out, enabling the Dodgers to narrowly hold on for the win.

Speaking about Sasaki’s performance, pinch hitter Max Muncy said, “That was definitely not an easy situation. For him to pitch like that under those conditions is truly unbelievable. We never let him pitch in easy moments, but he didn’t back down at all. Getting that out was crucial.” He added, “The atmosphere here is already intense, but this went beyond that. Sasaki has pitched on big stages like the WBC and Japan’s championship games before, but the playoffs are a whole different world. Yet he remained unshaken and pitched his way. Watching him was a real pleasure.”

Catcher Will Smith also praised him, saying, “He helped us hold the lead with excellent pitching, looking calm and enjoying the game. He’s gradually adapting to the bullpen role, well-prepared, and delivered when it mattered.”

The tense bottom of the ninth also weighed on Freddie Freeman: “Luckily, I was able to catch Tommy Edman’s throw on the base; that inning was so nerve-wracking I think I grew white hair.” Freeman also lauded Sasaki’s composure: “Pitching under that kind of pressure is amazing. Two outs, runners on first and third in the bottom of the ninth, and he still stayed calm — that’s not something just anyone can do. His first pitch forkball had perfect placement; from that pitch, you could see his steadiness.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game, “Roki Sasaki helped us secure a crucial victory.” When asked why Sasaki wasn’t warmed up starting in the seventh inning but instead veteran Blake Treinen, who had inconsistent late-season performances, Roberts explained, “Considering he hadn’t pitched twice in three games and the score gap was three runs, Treinen has rich playoff experience and I trusted him. If needed, Alex Vesia was ready in the bullpen.”

Roberts emphasized his confidence in relief pitchers who can perform under high-pressure situations and was glad Sasaki was fully prepared when called upon. He expressed satisfaction with Sasaki’s handling of Trea Turner: “He got that key out, which was very important for us.”

Roki Sasaki said, “Compared to my last appearance, I had plenty of time to warm up today and was able to execute my pitches well. It felt great.”