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Roki Sasaki hits 161.9 km/h in career-best outing as Dodgers edge Angels

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki threw a career-best 100.6 mph fastball and pitched seven scoreless innings in his team's 1-0 victory over the Angels.
  • Sasaki attributed his improved velocity and control to two years of dedicated effort and a better understanding of his own pitching mechanics.
  • He expressed confidence that his fastball speed can continue to increase, aiming to reach his long-sought pitching goals.

Roki Sasaki, the 24-year-old Japanese pitcher for the Dodgers, delivered a stellar performance on Friday, pitching seven scoreless innings and striking out 10 batters, marking a career-high in his time with the team. His exceptional outing, which included a career-best 100.6 mph fastball, contributed to the Dodgers' narrow 1-0 victory over the Angels, secured by a walk-off home run from Freddie Freeman.

Basically, what I've been doing hasn't changed, but now I can throw the ball to where I want it and throw the pitches I expect. My overall performance has improved significantly since the start of the season.

— Roki SasakiSasaki reflects on his improved performance and control.

Sasaki's dominant display saw him throw 98 pitches, with 72 strikes, allowing only two hits and two walks. He effectively utilized a mix of pitches, including 38 split-finger fastballs, 36 four-seam fastballs, and 21 sliders, generating 17 swings and misses from the opposing team.

The past two years of effort, through both good and bad times, have helped me understand what works best for him and to know himself better.

— Roki SasakiSasaki discusses the dedication and self-awareness that led to his success.

Reflecting on his performance, Sasaki told Nikkan Sports, "Basically, what I've been doing hasn't changed, but now I can throw the ball to where I want it and throw the pitches I expect. My overall performance has improved significantly since the start of the season." He added that the past two years of effort, through both good and bad times, have helped him understand what works best for him and to know himself better.

I think the speed will continue to increase, and in games, sometimes the speed comes out naturally even if I don't try to throw hard. In that regard, I am gradually approaching the goal I have always pursued, so this is a good trend.

— Roki SasakiSasaki expresses confidence in his continued velocity gains.

Looking ahead, Sasaki expressed optimism about his velocity, stating, "I think the speed will continue to increase, and in games, sometimes the speed comes out naturally even if I don't try to throw hard. In that regard, I am gradually approaching the goal I have always pursued, so this is a good trend. However, I believe there is still room for improvement overall, so I will proceed with caution and continue to work hard."

However, I believe there is still room for improvement overall, so I will proceed with caution and continue to work hard.

— Roki SasakiSasaki acknowledges the need for ongoing effort despite his progress.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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