Home / Sports / Rookie Roki Sasaki Dazzles in Dodgers' Playoff Debut
Rookie Roki Sasaki Dazzles in Dodgers' Playoff Debut
2 Oct
Summary
- Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old rookie from Japan, made a perfect 9th inning appearance to close out the Dodgers' sweep of the Reds
- Sasaki struck out two batters with 100-mph pitches in his postseason debut
- Dodgers celebrated Sasaki's performance with beer and champagne in the batting cage
On October 2nd, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers advanced to the National League Division Series after sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Wild Card Series. The hero of the night was Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old rookie pitcher from Japan, who made a perfect ninth-inning appearance to close out the series.
Sasaki, who signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in January 2025, dazzled in his postseason debut, striking out two batters with 100-mph pitches. The young pitcher from Japan celebrated the victory with his teammates, holding a beer in his hand and wearing goggles as the Dodgers partied in the team's batting cage rather than their remodeled clubhouse.
The Dodgers had been without a designated closer during the regular season, but Sasaki's dominant performance may have earned him the role for the postseason. "I trust him, and he's going to be pitching in leverage," manager Dave Roberts said. "So the more you pitch guys and play guys, you learn more. I don't think the moment's going to be too big for Roki."
Sasaki's journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. He struggled with his control in his major league debut earlier this year, but after a stint on the injured list, he has now proven himself on the biggest stage, helping the Dodgers advance to the next round of the playoffs.
