Sasaki Roki allowed 6 runs but still received positive evaluation; Dodgers manager: Some people judge solely by statistics.

The Los Angeles Dodgers played away against the Washington Nationals today, with Japanese pitcher Sasaki Roki starting for 5 innings and allowing 6 runs, failing to deliver an ideal performance. However, the team eventually reversed the game with an 8-6 win, and manager Dave Roberts still offered a positive evaluation, remarking: "Some people might judge solely by the score data."

In this game, Sasaki Roki used 90 pitches to complete 5 innings, allowing 5 hits and 6 runs, while issuing 5 strikeouts and 3 walks. The match was delayed by rain for about 2 hours and 10 minutes before starting. In the third inning, he was hit by Luis García Jr. with a go-ahead two-run homer; in the fourth inning, he first allowed a somewhat lucky hit by Keibert Ruiz, then was struck by James Wood with a three-run homer, further increasing the runs conceded.

Despite the unsatisfactory pitching statistics, Roberts still gave high praise, stating: "I think it was very important that he managed to finish five innings."

He further explained: "Of course, some people might judge only by the score data, but if that ball hadn't hit the base, that inning would actually have ended. For him, the overall outcome of the game could have been completely different. Overall, I consider this a pitching performance above the passing mark. Although the red middle fork ball he threw to Wood after 0 good and 2 bad counts is something one might wish to redo, overall he did well; this was a victory achieved by the whole team together."

Additionally, the team's offense was key to winning this game. Despite Mookie Betts being placed on the injury list due to a right oblique strain, and key players like Kyle Tucker, Will Smith, and Max Muncy not starting, the team still recorded 11 hits and scored 8 runs, with the crucial contributor being Shohei Ohtani, who served as the leadoff designated hitter.

Roberts said: "Shohei Ohtani's home run changed the atmosphere of the game, while Dalton Rushing's homer boosted morale. Effectively utilizing bench players was also one of the keys to this victory."