Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki Wants to Increase His Velocity
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki had another effective start Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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The 23-year-old allowed three runs on five hits and two walks across 4.2 innings. Sasaki threw four strikeouts in a Dodgers-high 93 pitch outing against the Pirates.
Sasaki discussed his performance postgame, and revealed what he hopes to fix by his next start.
“My delivery feels pretty in sync. And even the pitches I don’t really necessarily command, I feel pretty good about,” Sasaki said through Ireton to The Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett. “As long as I get my (velocity) up a little bit, I think I’ll be able to pitch the way I want to.”
There were several highlights from Saturday night’s 8-4 victory over Pittsburgh. For one, the L.A. lineup appeared to come to life with home runs from Teoscar Hernandez and Kiké Hernandez.
Shohei Ohtani broke out of his opening month slump with three extra-base hits and two runs scored. The Dodgers superstar had previously gone 1-for-16.
Sasaki appears to be in the middle of finding his rhythm after a rocky start to his Major League career.
Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, the right-hander used a new warm-up song called “Bailalo Rocky.” While Sasaki threw heaters, the Dodgers bench responded with animated energy throughout his warm ups.
The rookie’s sixth MLB outing was another step in the right direction, and perhaps, a little Latin flair helped Sasaki get in the zone.
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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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