Roki Sasaki Struggles Again as Rockies Rally Past Dodgers in Series Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2026 season with high expectations for second-year starter Roki Sasaki, anticipating a leap forward after an adjustment period in his rookie campaign. However, recent outings have instead highlighted continued inconsistency on the mound.

After struggling in a previous start against the Texas Rangers, Sasaki faced another difficult test on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies. The outing once again exposed issues with command and late-game execution.

Sasaki lasted 4.2 innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs, including a home run that shifted momentum in Colorado’s favor. Despite a strong opening inning, he was unable to maintain consistency deep into the game.

The Dodgers ultimately dropped another contest in a season that has already included multiple setbacks, even as their lineup continues to produce at times.

1. Strong Start Fades Quickly on the Mound

Sasaki began the outing with early efficiency, retiring the side in the first inning without allowing a hit. He mixed primarily four-seam fastballs, throwing seven of his first eight pitches with the pitch to establish rhythm. That early success included two groundouts and a flyout, suggesting command and pace were in place at the outset. However, the momentum shifted as Colorado adjusted to his velocity. The first hit against him came from Troy Johnston, who singled off a 96 mph fastball to break up the early rhythm. Although Sasaki escaped the inning without allowing a run, it marked the beginning of increased traffic on the bases. As the Rockies became more aggressive, they began to square up his fastball more consistently, putting pressure on his pitch selection and location.

2. Rockies Capitalize as Game Unravels

Sasaki managed to keep Colorado off the scoreboard through three innings, but the fourth and fifth frames proved costly. TJ Rumfield delivered an RBI single in the fourth to open the scoring. The decisive blow came in the fifth when Kyle Karros launched a solo home run that cut into the Dodgers’ lead and shifted momentum. The pitch, a fastball in the strike zone, was not missed. Shortly after, Edouard Julien added an RBI single off a 95 mph fastball to tie the game. At that point, the Dodgers opted to turn to reliever Will Klein in an attempt to stabilize the inning. However, the damage had already been done, and Colorado completed its rally to hand Los Angeles another loss.

3. Sasaki Reflects on Ongoing Adjustments

After the game, Sasaki spoke through his interpreter and acknowledged the need for continued development. He emphasized that long-term improvement remains his focus despite short-term setbacks. According to his comments shared via SportsNet LA, Sasaki noted that he must continue working on key areas of his pitching approach to achieve consistency at the major league level. He also recognized Colorado’s aggressive approach early in counts, which disrupted his ability to settle into a rhythm after the first inning. Despite that, he maintained that his preparation and intent were correct. Manager Dave Roberts ultimately removed Sasaki in the fifth inning, signaling concern over the momentum shift as the Rockies mounted their comeback.