Roki Sasaki throws consecutive 100-mph fireballs to shut down Yankees lineup, says lower body is key

Los Angeles Dodgers Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki started on the road against the New York Yankees today, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing only 5 hits and 1 unearned run. Although he ended up without a win, he threw his fastest pitch since joining the MLB at 101.8 mph (about 163.8 km/h), and even threw consecutive fireballs over 100 mph. After the game, he clearly expressed confidence in his return to form.

Talking about his hot pitching performance today, Roki Sasaki said, "Because I had a rest period before, the interval between games was quite long. During this time, I made some adjustments to my pitching mechanics, and today I felt great. Although I can't draw conclusions from just one game, I re-examined the use of power in my lower body and other parts, and it seems to have worked quite well."

Regarding the breakthrough in velocity, Roki Sasaki appeared very confident. "Just looking at the velocity, I gradually increased it in the middle and later stages of the game, which is a great bonus. And while my pitching motion felt very smooth, I was able to increase the velocity at the same time. That's really good."

Even in the fifth inning, Sasaki's fastball remained above 100 mph, showing amazing endurance. When asked why he could maintain the velocity into the later part of the game, he half-jokingly revealed, "Besides the adjustments to my pitching mechanics, since it had been about seven days since my last start, I vented all my frustration over the All-Star break being ruined on the field!"

Although he was joking, Sasaki answered the coaching staff's expectations with hard strength by taking on the team's first start of the second half and delivering quality content. He finally said with a smile, "Although there were considerations for rotation adjustments before the All-Star break, and my holiday was indeed gone, I'm really glad I got through the training well and pitched a good game today."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also highly praised Sasaki's pitching performance. He said, "He was great. He brought up his velocity, and you could clearly see his focus."

According to MLB.com reporter Sarah Langs, Sasaki threw 21 pitches over 100 mph in this game. This is the most 100+ mph fastballs thrown by a Dodgers pitcher in a single game since pitch tracking data began in 2008.

When asked if this game could be a turning point for Sasaki this season, Roberts said, "I hope so. The opponent is a very good team, and on the road, he had to battle his emotions as well. The effort he showed tonight was really enjoyable to watch. I hope he can continue to use this experience."

After Sasaki left the game, the Dodgers won 2-1 thanks to Max Muncy's go-ahead two-run homer. Although he missed out on the win, Sasaki earned full recognition from the coaching staff with a dominant and overpowering start.