Sasaki Roki Earns First Win Despite Three Home Runs Dodgers Manager: Confronting Batters Within the Strike Zone

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 12-4 today. Sasaki Roki started, pitching five innings and allowing four runs while being hit for three home runs, yet secured his first win of the season. Manager Dave Roberts commented post-game that this was his best performance this season: "Statistics alone cannot accurately reflect his pitching content. Today he generated swings and misses, and his pitch quality was also excellent. I believe this was his best game of the season."

Sasaki Roki used 99 pitches in this game, with 66 strikes. Over five innings, he allowed seven hits and gave up four runs, all earned. He also recorded five strikeouts and one walk, with a maximum fastball velocity of 98.5 mph. After losing his first four starts of the new season (0-2), Sasaki Roki finally earned his first win of the season and his second career MLB win, 357 days after his last victory.

The three home runs Sasaki Roki allowed were all solo shots, hit by Seiya Suzuki in the second inning, Moises Ballesteros in the fourth inning, and Miguel Amaya in the fifth inning. This marks the most home runs he has allowed in a single game since coming to the United States.

Roberts stated: "You can't judge solely by statistics. Although he allowed three home runs, he confronted batters within the strike zone, and his overall pitching performance was very good." He believes this game will help Sasaki Roki grow: "His current role is as a backend starter in the rotation. He is still in a developmental stage; continuous improvement each time he pitches is most important, along with gradually increasing his innings."

Sasaki Roki pointed out that the pitches resulting in home runs included mistakes and pitches thrown to get strikes, and he must continue to improve his pitch quality. Today, he also expressed gratitude for the support from the batting lineup and relief pitchers. After leaving the game, he immediately reviewed and reflected with the pitching coach.

Interestingly, the giveaway at today's game was a Sasaki Roki bobblehead doll. He was not entirely satisfied with the likeness of his bobblehead, candidly remarking: "Hmm... I feel it could be done a bit better."