Story perspectives

Sasaki's 7-Scoreless Innings Spark Dodgers Turn Corner

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sasaki threw seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in a 1-0 win over the Angels on June 5, 2026.
His last four starts produced a 1.48 ERA, 29 strikeouts and four earned runs, lowering his season ERA to 4.03 from 6.35 in April.
Strength coach Travis Smith cut walks to eight and home runs to three in Sasaki’s last six starts, prompting manager Dave Roberts to say he has turned the corner.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox rallied to win the World Series, ending an 86-year championship drought. Pitcher Curt Schilling posted a 1.73 ERA over his final 12 starts, delivering 13 wins while Boston’s staff limited runs to a league-lowest 3.20 per game. Similarly, Seattle’s 2026 right-hander Ryusei Sasaki trimmed his ERA to 4.03 after strength coach Travis Smith’s adjustments, echoing Schilling’s midseason resurgence. The Red Sox’s turnaround demonstrated how targeted coaching can catalyze pitching performance, a lesson modern clubs like the Angels and Dodgers continue to apply.

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Story summary

Sasaki threw seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in a 1-0 win over the Angels on June 5, 2026.
His last four starts produced a 1.48 ERA, 29 strikeouts and four earned runs, lowering his season ERA to 4.03 from 6.35 in April.
Strength coach Travis Smith cut walks to eight and home runs to three in Sasaki’s last six starts, prompting manager Dave Roberts to say he has turned the corner.

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