Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts applauded reliever Roki Sasaki after his magnificent performance in Game 4 of the NLDS.
Sasaki entered a 1-1 game in the top of the eighth inning, and continued to terrorize the Phillies’ offense. He sent Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm down in order in the bottom of the eighth, and retired each of the next six batters he faced. Sasaki’s performance coupled with a strong 11th inning from Alex Vesia allowed the Dodgers to find some offense for a walk-off to advance to the NLCS.
More news: Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Calls Out Those Trolling Clayton Kershaw After NLDS Game 3
“Oh, my gosh. You’re talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the pen that I can remember,” Roberts said. “Certainly given where he started this year, what he is as a starting pitcher, to go out there and not only go one inning, two innings and then three innings, and to do what he did gave us a huge boost.
“I can’t speak enough to his growth and his contribution to this club. We’re starting to see something really special in him, and that’s why he was courted so hard in the offseason.
“But what he’s done now on the biggest of stages, he’s just scratching the surface. But couldn’t be more proud of him.”
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals Injury-Related Reason He Took Tyler Glasnow Out of NLDS Game 4
The right-hander has made a huge improvement from the beginning of the season, where he posted a 4.72 ERA through his first eight MLB starts. Sasaki has been the Dodgers’ go-to reliever in high-leverage this postseason, coming into four games and allowing just one baserunner through 5.1 innings. He hasn’t allowed a run since returning from injury Sept. 24.
The Dodgers are headed to the NLCS, but still do not know their opponent. The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs play Game 5 of their series Saturday, and the winner will face the Dodgers in the next round. The NLCS will begin Monday, though the venue and time depend on the result of Saturday’s game between the NL Central powerhouses.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Have you downloaded the new Dodgers Nation app yet? Click here for Apple Users and here for Android Users to be a part of the redesigned app to give fans everything they need, all in one place. Don’t miss out on live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Dodgers Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you want and more!
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×