Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Roki Sasaki made history in his most recent appearance in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sasaki became the first pitcher to throw a perfect eighth, ninth and tenth innings during a winning streak. the 23-year-old dominated a stacked Phillies lineup, coming into the game to face MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber, former MVP Bryce Harper and All-Star Alec Bohm. He retired all three, and also retired the next six batters in a row.
The right-hander has taken the postseason by storm, performing well above expectations and taking his place at the table with baseball’s best. Sasaki has allowed just one baserunner all postseason, giving him a WHIP of .190 since the start of the playoffs. This places him second in the MLB among pitchers with at least five innings pitched, behind only Drew Pomeranz of the Chicago Cubs.
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Sasaki returned to the team on September 24 from injury and did not return with high expectations. Until his last two appearances during his month-long rehabilitation period, Sasaki struggled with his pace and leaked runs. However, an adjustment in the minors and a change in the bullpen are all the rookie needs to get back on track.
After posting a 4.72 ERA through the first eight starts of his MLB career, Sasaki finished the regular season with two dominant relief appearances, also failing to allow a run. He rode the momentum of those playoff performances, capping off a Cincinnati Reds comeback in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series and following that performance with his first two MLB saves against the Phillies. On Thursday, he capped off a spectacular series against Philadelphia with his record-breaking three-inning performance.
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Sasaki has become a key piece for the Dodgers this postseason and will look to continue helping the team in the NLCS, which will play the Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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