{"id":23095,"date":"2026-07-31T12:26:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T07:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=23095"},"modified":"2026-07-31T12:26:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T07:26:57","slug":"roki-sasaki-shows-more-growth-in-dodgers-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=23095","title":{"rendered":"Roki Sasaki shows more growth in Dodgers win"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p>With five scoreless innings at the beginning of his start Thursday night at Dodger Stadium, Roki Sasaki took another promising step forward.<\/p>\n<p>As he flirted with near-disaster while facing the Seattle Mariners order for the third time in the top of the sixth, he nearly took another step back.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module alignright\">\n\t<\/aside>\n<p>In his third outing since a sudden midseason resurgence following the All-Star break, Sasaki showed the best and worst parts of himself in the Dodgers\u2019 6-2 win.<\/p>\n<p>At first, he was flawless, dominating the Mariners lineup with 100 mph fastballs and swing-and-miss splitters.<\/p>\n<p>Then, in the sixth, he faltered, giving up two runs before Jack Dreyer came on and saved his final line by escaping a bases-loaded, one-out jam.<\/p>\n<p>So it goes in Sasaki\u2019s continued development as a major-league starter. Headed in the right direction. But still with a ways to go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis start, for five innings, was even better [than his previous ones],\u201d manager Dave Roberts said afterward.<\/p>\n<p>As for the sixth?<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThere was some cramping,\u201d Roberts revealed, saying the issue was in his legs and calf. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize until later. I think that\u2019s part of what led to that sixth inning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Given the disastrous way Sasaki\u2019s second MLB season started, his first five innings are what will matter more to the Dodgers \u2013\u2013 serving as another sign of tangible progress in what has been recently rapid improvement.<\/p>\n<p>During that stretch Thursday, he struck out seven batters while allowing only two singles and a walk. He commanded his fastball and used it as an occasional putaway weapon. He looked even more lethal with his splitter, which generated nine whiffs out of 20 swings while accounting for four of his punchouts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it all goes back to throwing strike one,\u201d catcher Dalton Rushing said. \u201cIf you get strike one, I think everyone knows how good his splitter is.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"40140878\"><br \/>\n\t<default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><default:path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/default:svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img style=\"aspect-ratio:1.49926794;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"40140878\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Roki Sasaki held the Mariners to two runs and pitched into the sixth inning of the Dodgers' 4-2 win on July 30, 2026 in Los Angeles.\" class=\"wp-image-40140878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 3000w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=105,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 105w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=81,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 81w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-4.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\"\/><figcaption>Roki Sasaki held the Mariners to two runs and pitched into the sixth inning of the Dodgers\u2019 4-2 win on July 30, 2026 in Los Angeles. <span class=\"credit\">EPA\/Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But then came the sixth, when the top of the Seattle order was due up for the third time Thursday night.<\/p>\n<p>Cole Young started the inning with a triple, which was aided by a slip from center fielder Andy Pages on a line drive in the gap. Randy Arozarena followed with an RBI double, putting the Mariners on the board after the Dodgers had jumped out to a 5-0 lead.<\/p>\n<p>Sasaki didn\u2019t completely implode from there, but certainly didn\u2019t clean up the mess either.<\/p>\n<p>Dominic Canzone walked on four pitches. Julio Rodriguez skulled a line drive that Max Muncy had to leap to snag. Josh Naylor roped a single that loaded the bases with one out. Then, Cal Raleigh chased Sasaki from the game by drawing a run-scoring free pass.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"40140866\"><br \/>\n\t<default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><default:path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/default:svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img style=\"aspect-ratio:1.49926794;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"40140866\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Roki Sasaki wipes his face after giving up a run in the sixth inning of the Dodgers' win over Mariners.\" class=\"wp-image-40140866\" 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=144,96&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 144w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=107,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=93,62&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=84,56&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 84w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=60,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=105,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 105w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=81,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 81w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Roki-Sasaki-2-1.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\"\/><figcaption>Roki Sasaki wipes his face after giving up a run in the sixth inning of the Dodgers\u2019 win over Mariners. <span class=\"credit\">AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cOf course there were parts that weren\u2019t good, and that I have to reflect upon,\u201d Sasaki said in Japanese. \u201cBut I was good through the fifth. And I want to keep that image in my head.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That will be easier to do thanks to Dreyer, who made sure none of runners he inherited from Sasaki came across the plate.<\/p>\n<p>With that, the Japanese phenom lowered his ERA to 4.64 on the season. He has been charged with just three earned runs in 18 innings in three starts to begin the season\u2019s second half.<\/p>\n<p>Those are marked strides compared to where he was before the All-Star break, which he stumbled into with 22 runs allowed in a 23-inning span.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think he just kind of decided that it\u2019s time to go and finish strong,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cIt\u2019s a new half and it\u2019s a new beginning. You\u2019ve seen a different player, to be quite honest. There\u2019s a lot more confidence. Not just kind of the in-between and uncertain.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t more the Dodgers will need to see from the 24-year-old, especially if he is to serve any important role on the team\u2019s postseason pitching staff.<\/p>\n<p>But on Thursday, he offered more signs about why such a role could be warranted, continuing his second-half surge by escaping disaster at the end.  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With five scoreless innings at the beginning of his start Thursday night at Dodger Stadium, Roki Sasaki took another promising step forward. As he flirted with near-disaster while facing the Seattle Mariners order for the third time in the top of the sixth, he nearly took another step back. In his third outing since a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/newspress-collage-hp7vjayhe-1785482179656.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&1785467810&w=1200","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23095"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23095\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/23096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}