Roki Sasaki Makes History with First Save in Dodgers’ Postseason Thriller
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Saturday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies fueled by a remarkable seven-game winning streak. However, the game didn’t start smoothly, as they quickly found themselves trailing 3-0. Despite the early setback, the Dodgers displayed unwavering resolve. By the time the final inning rolled around, they had rallied back to secure a two-run lead, calling upon closer Roki Sasaki to finish the job.
Sasaki not only delivered a stellar performance but also etched his name in the record books. In a groundbreaking moment for baseball, he and Shohei Ohtani became the first Japanese-born starter-reliever duo to achieve both a win and a save in the same postseason game. This historic feat underscores the growing impact of Japanese players in Major League Baseball and adds another chapter to their legacy.
Sasaki’s Rapid Rise
In the past week, Roki Sasaki has become a household name among Dodgers supporters after being recalled to the roster. Initially brought in as a starting pitcher, the team’s late-season experiment to utilize him in a relief role has revitalized his contributions. Although his experience in the bullpen has been limited, his recent performance against the Seattle Mariners turned heads across the league.
In that outing, Sasaki showcased his impressive skill set, notching two strikeouts and generating four swings and misses in a mere 12 pitches. His ability to reach speeds of 100.1 mph left fans and analysts buzzing. “Roki Sasaki with another shutdown inning in relief. He had 2 strikeouts and 4 whiffs on 12 pitches,” noted an analyst, highlighting his potential as a significant asset for the Dodgers in October.
The Road to the Save
When called upon to close the game on Saturday night, Sasaki earned his first career save, but the moment was nearly derailed. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Sasaki’s opportunity only arose as Tyler Glasnow struggled through the eighth inning. “Dave Roberts said Tyler Glasnow could have remained in the game for a three-inning save if he had better results in the eighth,” a report stated, illustrating how close the team was to a different outcome.
Ultimately, the Dodgers faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief as Sasaki stepped up to the challenge. What could have been a missed chance became a memorable milestone for the young pitcher, transforming a tense moment into a historic debut save.
Thriving Under Pressure
Despite the limited sample size in his relief appearances, Sasaki has demonstrated a knack for thriving in high-pressure situations. His recent performances suggest that he is most effective in critical moments, showcasing a maturity and composure that belies his youth. The excitement surrounding Sasaki is palpable, as he continues to solidify his role in the Dodgers’ postseason plans.
As the Dodgers look ahead in the postseason, Sasaki’s contributions could prove pivotal. The path to his historic save may have been fraught with tension, but it ultimately marked the beginning of what could be a bright October for both him and the team.
