Los Angeles right-hander Loki Sasaki pitched five innings against the Chicago Cubs in his fourth major league start on Saturday night.
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Sasaki allowed four hits, one run scored and two walks. On his 81-pitch outing, the right-hander threw three strikeouts.
When Sasaki finished the game, the went down 1-0. The 23-year-old had given up on Michael Bush’s home run.
In three innings, Andy Page leapt up and down the wall to save Sasaki from the possibility of a bush grand slam.
Sasaki struggled with his first two starts, but began to settle in his role in the ‘ rotation. The final right-handed start against the Philadelphia Phillies included four hits, two walks and one acquisition he acquired in four innings.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke about Sasaki’s successful start to the Phillies, citing how important it is to rookie morale.
“He needed that,” Roberts said. “He probably won’t let you know how much he needs it, but I think it was certainly a big positive to get a major league start and how the first couple succeeded, how successful they were, and how they left the game after leading the game.
Saturday’s start against the Cubs is another step in the right direction for Sasaki.
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Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Image
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