Full Breakdown
Dodgers Falter as Roki Sasaki’s Command Issues Fuel 7-1 Padres Victory, Walker Buehler Shines
6/27/2026, 12:43:21 PM
Series Opener: 7-1 Padres Win
On June 26, 2026, the San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7–1 at Petco Park. Walker Buehler, facing his former club, threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits, three walks and striking out five. Roki Sasaki was removed after 81 pitches without recording an out in the fifth, having surrendered three runs, five walks, one hit batter and three hits.
Background & Context
The game opened a three-game weekend series. The Dodgers entered with a division lead reported as eight games (Los Angeles Times) or nine games (Sports Illustrated). The Padres, fresh off a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Braves, sought to close the gap. Sasaki, a top 2024-25 offseason acquisition from Japan, had shown promise in May, including a two-hit, scoreless start against the Angels, but recent outings featured no innings beyond the sixth and a seven-run loss to Chicago. Buehler, a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, re-joined San Diego and rode a four-game streak of low-run outings.
Key Performances
Official Statements & Criticism
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sasaki’s mechanics felt different and that he must address the mechanical issues before his next start. He also noted that poor execution leads to walks and 1-2 count homers. Padres manager Craig Stammen praised Buehler’s “great” outing, emphasizing his low pitch count and strike-out ability, while acknowledging the need for more scoring opportunities. Roberts said he was surprised by the sudden drop in momentum after May’s performance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Dodgers’ division margin—eight games (Los Angeles Times) versus nine games (Sports Illustrated)—and on Sasaki’s pitch count, reported as “80-plus” or a precise 81 pitches.
Impact
Sasaki’s command issues expose a rotation vulnerability for the league-leading Dodgers, while Buehler’s effective start highlights the Padres’ capacity to challenge the division leader and narrow the gap in the NL West. The loss also kept the Dodgers’ lead intact but highlighted the need for bullpen depth as San Diego’s relievers shut down Los Angeles in the final innings.
Upcoming Games
The Dodgers will start Yoshinobu Yamamoto versus Randy Vásquez on Saturday, followed by Emmet Sheehan against Michael King on Sunday; Sasaki is slated for a start after addressing his mechanics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I actually felt different than I ever felt before, mechanically,” — Roki Sasaki, via interpreter Kensuke Okubo
- “It just kind of got away from me a little bit,” — Walker Buehler
- “We’re playing good baseball against good teams,” — Ty France
- “You’re not always going to come through in every opportunity,” — Craig Stammen
