Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki threw a career-high five innings against the Chicago Cubs in his fourth Major League start Saturday night.
Sasaki allowed four hits, one earned run, and two walks. During his 81-pitch outing, the right-hander threw three strikeouts.
The Dodgers were down 1-0 when Sasaki exited the game. The 23-year-old had given up a home run to Michael Busch.
In the third inning, Andy Pages made a leaping catch at the wall to save Sasaki from a potential Busch grand slam.
Sasaki struggled in his first two starts, but has begun to settle into his role in the Dodgers’ rotation. The right-hander’s last start against the Philadelphia Phillies included four strikeouts, three hits, two walks, and one earned run across four innings pitched.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke about Sasaki’s successful start against the Phillies, citing how important it was for the rookie’s morale.
“He needed it,” Roberts said. “He probably won’t let on how much he needed it, but to get a major-league start and given how the first couple went, to have some success and leave the game with a lead, I think that was certainly a big positive. Just a building block for him for his next outing.”
Saturday’s start against the Cubs is another step in the right direction for Sasaki.
