On March 19, 2025, Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki captured the spotlight at the Tokyo Dome, where the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs in a much-anticipated Major League Baseball opening series. Sasaki, making his MLB debut, delivered an impressive showcase of speed, throwing fastballs that surpassed 100 miles per hour. However, his debut was not without challenges. Over the course of three innings, Sasaki struggled with control, allowing five walks and one earned run, drawing mixed reviews from pundits and fans alike.
Earlier in the series opener, the Dodgers secured a victory, thanks to a strong performance from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who allowed one run on three hits over five innings. Many were hopeful that Sasaki would build on that momentum. Starting against the Cubs, Sasaki quickly made history by striking out Ian Happ with a fastball early in the first inning, solidifying his first MLB out. He followed that impressive moment by again breaking through with his first career strikeout against Seiya Suzuki, using a powerful 159 km fastball.
Despite the promising start, the second inning proved challenging for Sasaki. He faced difficulty with control, allowing two walks that placed runners in scoring position. Yet, he battled back and successfully avoided a run, thanks to a double play. However, in the third inning, Sasaki's control waned again, leading to three consecutive walks. This culminated in his first earned run, as he walked Kyle Tucker, pushing a runner across home plate. Nevertheless, Sasaki managed to finish the inning with two consecutive strikeouts, ending on a positive note.
American media weighed in on Sasaki's performance, with FOX Sports analyst Ben Verlander describing it as “very unstable,” and referring to it as “terrible pitching.” He stated that these three innings encapsulated Sasaki's difficulties on the mound. Similarly, Fabian Ardaya from The Athletic remarked that although Sasaki's overall content was striking, his control left much to be desired. Conversely, Noah Camras from Dodgers Nation offered a more optimistic perspective, commending Sasaki's ability to minimize damage amid control issues.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers were on the scoreboard thanks to a home run from Ohtani, leading 6-3 by the ninth inning. This early win demonstrated the team's strengths and set the stage for Sasaki's debut rites alongside prominent players.
Beyond the field, Sasaki's hometown community of Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, expressed overwhelming support for their local hero. Shinnuma, a local gas station owner and Sasaki's former high school coach, voiced hopes that Sasaki would show the world his caliber of pitching prowess that would deter opponents from wanting to face him. Residents rallied around him, applauding the impact his success could have on revitalizing the community, particularly following the devastating forest fires earlier this year.
In the days leading up to the game, excitement was palpable across the town. A taxi driver in his seventies remarked how much he was looking forward to the game and wished for Sasaki to strike out multiple batters, hoping it would serve as an inspiration for the community. A local company employee echoed similar sentiments, wishing to see Sasaki throw powerful, energetic pitches that would galvanize young fans in Ofunato. Sasaki’s contributions to the community, particularly his donations amid the forest fire tragedies, have left a deep impact.
The game also saw some light-hearted moments, such as Ohtani’s fun interactions with fellow players during warm-ups and photo opportunities that brought back memories and joy to fans. However, not all attention was positive, as Ohtani himself faced controversy, with a TV station banning a reporter over a rule violation related to his interactions during the commemorative photo session he took with other Japanese players, including Suzuki.
As Sasaki continues to refine his craft, he acknowledges the workload ahead. After his debut, he stated, “I threw 56 pitches, of which only 25 were strikes. My forkball was not where I wanted it to be, but I will keep working hard.” Recognizing the challenges in the grueling MLB season that runs until September, he is determined to improve his fastball and forkball precision to prove he is a standout rookie in the league.
Looking forward, the Dodgers’ management is optimistic about Sasaki’s trajectory, understanding that every rookie faces hurdles in adjusting to Major League Baseball. The blend of excitement surrounding Ohtani's established star power and Sasaki's raw potential creates an electrifying atmosphere for baseball fans, both in Japan and globally.
As the series continues, both players hope to make an impact that resonates beyond the diamond. For Ohtani, it’s about supporting his younger compatriot, and for Sasaki, it’s about delivering performances that not only fulfill his dreams but also energize his hometown, sparking a sense of pride and joy among his supporters.
