Roki Sasaki Starts Strong, Struggles Late in Start vs. Rockies

TL;DR

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a solid start against the Colorado Rockies, retiring the side in order in the first inning. However, he struggled later, finishing with three runs allowed over five innings.

Key points

Roki Sasaki pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers
He faced the Colorado Rockies on April 19, 2026
Sasaki retired the side in order in the first inning
He allowed three runs on seven hits over five innings
Sasaki struck out two batters during the game

Los Angeles DodgersColorado RockiesRoki Sasaki

Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki struggled towards the back end of his start against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

Sasaki pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two batters.

The right-hander had a great start to the game, retiring the side in order in the first inning on just eight pitches. He had similar success in the second inning, allowing just one base runner and getting out of the frame without any real issues.

Sasaki’s third inning started with a baserunner as well, as Kyle Karros scorched a single into center, but a fielder’s choice followed by a double play got him out of that one as well.

He found himself in trouble in the fourth inning, as the leadoff baserunners finally caught up to the young right-hander. A single from former No. 1 overall draft pick Mickey Moniak followed by a hit by pitch put runners on first and second with no outs, and TJ Rumfield drove in a run with a single shortly after.

Sasaki, with just one out, loaded the bases with a walk on the next batter, but managed to get Willi Castro to roll over into a double play to end the inning.