Los Angeles Dodgers Secure Fifth Straight Win, But Roki Sasaki Struggles in Second Consecutive Start

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their impressive start to the 2025 season, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a 7-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night. Despite the win, the Dodgers didn’t get much from their highly anticipated new starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki, who struggled once again in his second consecutive outing for the team.

Sasaki, who had drawn significant attention after being acquired by the Dodgers, made his debut at Dodger Stadium, but it was a night to forget for the young pitcher. The Japanese star was unable to go deep into the game, throwing 60 pitches over just 1.2 innings before manager Dave Roberts made the decision to pull him. Sasaki faced difficulties putting away hitters, surrendering three hits and four walks, though he was able to limit the damage to just two earned runs.

Struggles on the Mound

Sasaki’s outing raised some questions, as the Dodgers had high hopes for the pitcher, especially after his stellar performances in Japan. However, it was clear that he was not able to command his pitches in this game. Despite his best efforts, Sasaki appeared frustrated as he struggled with his velocity and control.

In his post-game interview, Sasaki was candid about his performance and gave a blunt assessment of his second start in Major League Baseball.

“Overall, I didn’t feel that I had a good feel for my pitches,” Sasaki admitted. “My slider felt pretty good. But my fastball-split – velo-wise, command-wise – wasn’t there. … I don’t expect myself to be able to fix everything in a short period of time. That being said, I am going to be pitching every week, so I do expect as a major-league pitcher to be able to put up quality outings.”

It was clear that Sasaki’s expectations for himself are high, but the results in this outing were far from what many had anticipated after his move to the Dodgers. With the intensity of the Major League Baseball season, the pressure is certainly on for Sasaki to quickly adapt and find consistency on the mound.

Dodgers’ Offense Comes Through

While Sasaki struggled, the Dodgers’ offense picked up the slack, led by their power hitters. The team managed to score seven runs, providing ample support to secure the win despite their pitcher’s rough outing. The Dodgers’ offense has been a bright spot during their early season surge, and once again, they showed their ability to capitalize on opportunities.

It was a solid all-around performance from the Dodgers’ lineup, with contributions from multiple players to keep the Tigers at bay. The offensive outburst was key in ensuring that the team secured the sweep, with the victory putting the Dodgers at 5-0 to start the season.

Looking Ahead for Sasaki

With the Dodgers continuing to win, the focus remains on Sasaki’s development as he gets accustomed to Major League hitters. There’s no doubt that the young pitcher has potential, but the question remains whether he can find his rhythm in the big leagues. For now, Sasaki will have to bounce back from his struggles, and it will be crucial for him to continue to work on his command and velocity if he hopes to live up to the hype.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed his belief that Sasaki will improve with time, emphasizing the importance of patience and development for young pitchers.

“Roki’s got incredible stuff,” Roberts said after the game. “It’s just a matter of him settling in and getting comfortable. He’ll figure it out.”

Sasaki will have more opportunities to prove himself as the season goes on, but with the Dodgers off to such a strong start, they can afford to give their new pitcher the time he needs to adjust.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to show why they are one of the most formidable teams in the league with their fifth consecutive win. While Sasaki’s struggles were a disappointment, the team’s offensive firepower ensured that the Dodgers remained undefeated. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Sasaki bounces back and whether he can find his footing as a consistent major league starter.

For now, the Dodgers will keep their focus on winning, and with their roster depth and talent, they are poised for continued success in 2025. As for Sasaki, the road to greatness is often bumpy, but his resilience and determination will be key as he works to adapt to the major league level.