Full Breakdown
Dodgers Snap Rough Patch with Sasaki’s Strong Start and Muncy’s Go-Ahead Homer
7/18/2026, 12:22:49 PM
Game Summary
On July 17, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 2–1 at Yankee Stadium to open the second half of the season. Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.93 ERA) carried the Yankees into the seventh inning, but a slider to left-handed third baseman Max Muncy resulted in a 416-foot, two-run homer that put the Dodgers ahead. Roki Sasaki (5.33 ERA, 3-5) allowed only one unearned run on five hits, striking out five and walking one over 5 2/3 innings. The Dodgers’ bullpen—Jack Dreyer, Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott—combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings to preserve the lead.
Background: Sasaki’s First-Half Struggles
Sasaki entered the season as a former Nippon Professional Baseball star and 2025 World Series hero. Through 16 starts he posted a 3-5 record with a 5.33 ERA, surrendering 22 earned runs and nine home runs in his last 23 innings. In a July 8 interview he admitted, “When you look at the numbers, I’m not satisfied with that,” and noted that his velocity had risen after a post-All-Star-break rest. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced a “little dive” to diagnose the pitcher’s issues, including reports that Sasaki might have been unintentionally tipping pitches.
Key Performers
- Roki Sasaki – Right-handed starter who reached 99 mph on 10 of 78 pitches and logged 21 pitches at 100 mph or harder, the most for any Dodger since Statcast began in 2008.
- Max Muncy – All-Star third baseman whose swing produced a 416-foot, 30-degree launch that broke the game open.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager who praised Sasaki’s “fight-or-flight mode” and later highlighted the pitcher’s increased velocity.
- Gerrit Cole – Yankees ace who threw a season-high 103 pitches, eight strikeouts and no walks before the decisive home run.
- Aaron Boone – Yankees manager who wrestled with the decision to leave Cole in the seventh inning.
Data & Statistics
- Sasaki’s line: 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER (unearned), 1 BB, 5 K; 21 pitches >=100 mph, 10 pitches >=99 mph.
- Muncy’s homer: 416 ft, 30° launch angle, his 18th of the season.
- Cole’s line: 6 IP+, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 103 pitches.
- Dodgers’ record after the win: 62-36 (MLB best); Yankees fell to 54-43, 2 ½ games behind the AL East-leading Rays.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts said after the game, “I thought that he was fight-or-flight mode right there, and it was good to see it… A lot of conviction, every throw he made.” Sasaki, speaking through interpreter Kensuke Okubo, added, “I’ve been working on a lot of things like the tipping stuff. Also, I need to make quality pitches.” Boone reflected, “I was feeling the situation out,” before deciding to keep Cole on the mound. Cole later noted, “It’s nice to push the stamina to get back out there for an extra hitter and just keep going for it, keep competing… it’s not over until it’s over.”
Criticism & Opposition
Dodgers staff expressed concern that Sasaki may have been inadvertently tipping his pitches, a factor they are actively addressing. Yankees third-base coach Luis Rojas faced criticism for sending Trent Grisham home on a marginal jump, a decision that resulted in an out at the plate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought that he was fight-or-flight mode right there, and it was good to see it,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “When you look at the numbers, I'm not satisfied with that,” — Roki Sasaki, pitcher (via interpreter)
- “I was feeling the situation out,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “It's nice to push the stamina to get back out there for an extra hitter and just keep going for it, keep competing,” — Gerrit Cole, Yankees pitcher
- “The swing felt great,” — Max Muncy, Dodgers third baseman (Spectrum SportsNet LA broadcast)
- “I kind of changed the way I use my lower body,” — Roki Sasaki, pitcher
What’s Next
The Dodgers and Yankees will meet again the following day, with Emmet Sheehan (4-6, 4.81 ERA) slated to start for New York and Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.15 ERA) for Los Angeles. Both clubs aim to build on the momentum—or correct the missteps—displayed in Friday’s contest.
